What is the best travel crib for your child? We got more than 11 portable cribs to test after looking at more than 32 options. We put the travel sleeping places next to each other and tested them for quality, comfort, portability, ease of use, and more. After trying them side by side for months, we’ve learned enough about them to help you choose the best one for your child and your needs. You can find more information about travel baby cribs and their unique features below.
Are you going on a trip or do you need other things for the nursery? It can be helpful to have other things with you that you can use while on the go. Take a look at our selection of the best diaper bags, high-quality diapers, portable high chairs, table booster seats, travel strollers, top-rated crib mattresses, and crib mattress sheets. Need something to do on the go? For little ones, a favorite jumper can keep them busy when you get there.
Our Favorite Travel Cribs
- Best Overall Crib: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
- Best Crib For Traveling: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
- Best Lightweight Crib: Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Crib
- Best Portable Crib: Pamo Babe Portable Crib for Baby
- Best Small Travel Crib: Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod
- Best Convertible Travel Crib: Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX Playard
- Best Pack And Play Travel Crib: Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
- Best Travel Crib For Easy Setup: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
- Best Travel Crib For Newborns: UPPAbaby Remi Playard
- Best All-in-One Travel Crib: GAP BabyGap Deluxe Play Yard
- Best Affordable Travel Crib: Zodiak Portable Playard
1. Best Overall Crib: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
The Bugaboo Stardust Playard is perfect for parents seeking convenience and comfort for their little ones. With its quick one-second unfolding and simple three-second folding, this playard saves time and effort. You can fold it with the mattress inside, making it a breeze to store and transport, especially when not using the bassinet insert. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard, designed for children from birth to two years old, grows with your baby. The included high-quality carry bag ensures that you can take it anywhere without hassle. Cleaning is also simple, as the materials are easy to wipe clean, keeping your playard fresh and hygienic.
Parents will appreciate the practicality and ease of use. Setting it up is a snap, allowing you more time to enjoy precious moments with your child. The playard is sturdy and safe, providing a secure space for your baby to play or rest. Its sleek design and high-quality materials make it an elegant addition to any home. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard offers unmatched convenience, quick setup, and simple maintenance. Suitable for infants and toddlers, it ensures comfort and safety wherever you go. With its user-friendly features and compact design, it’s an essential item for modern parents.
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2. Best Crib For Traveling: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib does not have any harsh chemicals in it as many other baby products do. Tested and certified by GreenGuard Gold, it is one of the only portable play yards free from harmful substances. This means it contains no PVC, lead, formaldehyde, mercury, arsenic, phthalates, or other dangerous chemicals. The Lotus is a safe and comfortable place for your child to be, whether they are sleeping or playing. With its 3D Z-Fold technology, the Lotus Crib is effortless to transport through airports. With a weight of just 15 lbs, the Lotus Crib is both durable and light, and you can set it up in just 15 seconds! You can carry it as a backpack thanks to its compact fold, allowing you to travel hands-free.
Easily unzip the lockable side door to help your baby fall asleep, or turn the crib into a play yard. With the door open, you can nurse or cuddle your little one, helping them feel safe in a new place. The updated mattress is thick and soft, and it’s safe for kids ages 0 to 3 to sleep on overnight, ensuring comfort for both resting and playing. Made with high-quality aluminum and non-slip rubberized feet, the Lotus Crib is travel-ready and simple to assemble. It’s ideal for parents who need a reliable, portable crib. The full-height ClearView mesh design ensures better visibility and airflow. You get a complete travel crib with a mattress and a compact, airport-friendly backpack carrying case. You can easily clean and maintain this portable baby bed by removing the fabric and mesh cover for washing. A two-year warranty and excellent customer service back it up.
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3. Best Lightweight Crib: Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Crib
Suitable for babies aged 0 to 3 years old, the Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Crib offers ample space for their sleeping needs. It features a soft mattress, making it a comfy place for your baby to sleep at home or away. Weighing only 12 lbs, this crib is light, reliable, and built to last. Made from a sturdy frame, polyester fabric, and reinforced stitching, it ensures stability. We evenly stress the four corners of the bottom to prevent tilting, ensuring your baby can play safely. This play yard has soft, open mesh fabric on the sides, which will make it simple for your baby to breathe. Through the side zipper door, you can easily nurse, cuddle, or play with your child.
The travel crib comes with a soft mattress, making it cozy for your baby to sleep on and protecting their delicate back. The fitted sheet is effortless to remove and clean, as it features adjustable velcro and a zipper. Traveling with children often means carrying a lot of luggage. The Pamo Babe travel crib is compact for packing and light to carry, making it a popular choice for parents on the go.
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4. Best Portable Crib: Pamo Babe Portable Crib for Baby
The Pamo Babe Portable Crib for Baby is the ultimate all-in-one solution for parents on the go. The design of this versatile and convenient portable baby playpen aims to simplify your life by offering a safe and comfortable space for your little one, regardless of your location. The built-in bassinet and changing table make it a multitasking essential. The bassinet is perfect for newborns, offering a cozy and secure place to sleep or rest. The changing table is a game-changer for busy parents, allowing quick and comfortable diaper changes without searching for a suitable surface. Not only does this portable crib come with a bassinet and a changing table, but it also has an additional storage room built into it.
With multiple pockets, you can conveniently stash diapers, wipes, and other essentials, keeping everything within reach. Say goodbye to rummaging through your bag every time you need something. Designed with travel in mind, this portable baby playpen is lightweight, foldable, and simple to assemble. It comes with a convenient travel bag, allowing you to take it anywhere with ease. Whether visiting family, going on vacation, or simply exploring the outdoors, your baby will always have a comfortable and safe space to play, nap, or rest. Our top priority is safety, which is why we build our portable crib to last with high-quality materials and a solid design. We test the crib to meet the highest safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for you and a secure environment for your baby.
This portable crib also comes with a removable and washable mattress, providing a clean and cozy sleeping surface for your little one. The mattress is soft and comfortable, promoting a satisfying night’s sleep or a peaceful nap. The Pamo Babe Portable Crib is not just a crib – it’s a complete travel companion for parents.
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5. Best Small Travel Crib: Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod
If you are a parent on the go, you should choose the Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod since it is long-lasting and secure. This lightweight travel pod provides a cozy space for infants, featuring breathable mesh panels and a sturdy steel frame that locks in place for added security. Weighing less than 3 lbs., this travel pod folds flat for simple storage and transport. Its assembled dimensions are 30” x 21.25” x 11.75”, making it compact enough for travel but spacious enough for comfort. This travel pod is perfect for families who love to explore, ensuring your baby always has a secure place to rest.
The Munchkin Brica is easy to clean because it was made to be convenient. The fabric can be spot-cleaned, and the included sheets are machine washable, making maintenance a breeze. Safety is key, and this travel pod is meant to be used until your infant begins to push up on their hands and knees or reaches 15 lbs. This travel pod not only offers safety and comfort but also provides peace of mind for parents. Knowing your baby has a secure place to sleep or play while you’re on the go is invaluable. Lightweight, simple to carry, and designed with your baby’s safety in mind, the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod is a must-have for traveling families.
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6. Best Convertible Travel Crib: Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX Playard
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX Playard with Baby Bassinet is the ultimate convertible solution for parents. This playard seamlessly transitions from a portable bassinet to a toddler playard, ensuring long-term use as your child grows. You can use the Travel Dome bassinet on or off the playard to keep your baby close at all times. Its compact design allows it to fold easily, fitting into the included carry bag for convenient travel and storage. The higher bassinet positions your baby at eye level, which makes it simple to check on them at night.
A full-size infant bassinet provides a comfy and visible spot for your baby to sleep. For added convenience, the playard includes a removable quilted diaper changer with wipe-clean fabrics and integrated storage. This ensures that everything you need is within arm’s reach, making diaper changes quick and easy. Easy mobility is another standout feature. Wheels on the playard allow for smooth transitions around your home. Whether moving from room to room or setting up a comfortable space for your baby to sleep, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX is designed to make life easier for parents.
Safety and comfort are top priorities. Excellent materials were used to make this playard, which meets all safety standards. The included mattress is soft and comfortable, ensuring a satisfying night’s sleep or a peaceful nap for your little one. The Graco Pack ‘n Play is more than just a playard – it’s a versatile and essential tool for parents.
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7. Best Pack And Play Travel Crib: Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard
The Graco Pack and Play Portable Playard is a convenient solution for parents on the move. This playard’s durable polyester construction ensures its durability. Its automatically folding feet and wheels allow for a compact fold, making storage and transportation a breeze. Whether you’re traveling or just moving it from room to room, the durable frame ensures it can handle the journey. Setting up and closing the playard is hassle-free thanks to the signature Graco Pack ‘n Play push-button fold. With just a simple push, you can fold it up quickly and efficiently.
Handy wheels add extra convenience, letting you move it around without any heavy lifting. The airy mesh on all sides provides maximum ventilation, ensuring your little one stays comfortable and cool. This playard is perfect for both playtime and nap time, offering a safe and secure space for your baby to rest or play. Its compact design means it won’t take up much room, and the simple fold feature makes it ideal for parents who need a portable solution. With the Graco Pack and Play, you get the perfect combination of durability, convenience, and comfort. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe, well-ventilated environment.
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8. Best Travel Crib For Easy Setup: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Meet the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, the ultimate travel companion for parents. Made from 100% polyester, with a sheet mattress composed of 70% polyester and 30% cotton, this travel crib offers both comfort and durability. Imported and designed for ease of use, it’s simple to set up and fold down in just a few steps. One of the standout features of this travel crib is its lightweight design, which makes it simple to take with you wherever you go. The soft and comfy mattress, made from high-resilient PU foam, ensures your baby sleeps soundly. The spacious design facilitates effective supervision, providing you with peace of mind as you closely monitor your child.
Cleaning is a breeze with the BabyBjörn Travel Crib, as the crib textiles are removable and machine washable. This feature ensures that your baby’s sleeping environment is always fresh and clean. Whether you’re at home, visiting family, or on a trip, this travel crib provides a safe and comfortable space for your child to rest. The BabyBjörn combines simplicity, comfort, and practicality, making it an essential item for parents on the go. Its simple setup, lightweight design, and washable materials make it a convenient choice for any travel scenario. Keep your baby comfortable and secure with this reliable and user-friendly travel crib.
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9. Best Travel Crib For Newborns: UPPAbaby Remi Playard
The UPPAbaby Remi Playard is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort for your baby. Made from durable polyester, this playard serves as a bedside bassinet, travel crib, and portable playard all in one. Suitable for babies from birth up to 35 inches tall, it includes a zip-on bassinet that supports infants from birth to 20 pounds. Setting up and breaking down the Remi Playard is incredibly easy, taking only seconds and requiring just one hand. You don’t need to struggle or follow complicated instructions. When it is not in use, you can store it in the included storage bag. For air travel, check out the available travel bag accessories for added protection.
Safety and comfort are top priorities with the Remi Playard. It boasts a GreenGuard Gold Certification, ensuring it supports healthier air quality with low chemical emissions. The multi-benefit mattress features a triple-layer, temperature-regulated design that is machine washable and made from air mesh for improved breathability. The included mattress cover, made from organic cotton, adds an extra layer of softness. The playard’s open, unobstructed design provides a clear view of your baby from any angle, allowing you to monitor playtime or naps easily. A simple zip-open panel on the side gives you straight access when you need it, and the above-ground design keeps your baby safe from drafts. The UPPAbaby combines versatility, safety, and convenience, making it a top choice for modern parents. Ensure your baby sleeps soundly and plays safely with this innovative and practical playard.
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10. Best All-in-One Travel Crib: GAP BabyGap Deluxe Play Yard
Introducing the GAP BabyGap Deluxe Play Yard, Grey Stripes, a versatile and essential product for your baby. This play yard features a removable full-size bassinet insert and a changing table with a waterproof surface. The bassinet can hold up to 15 lbs., the changing table can hold up to 25 lbs., and the play yard can support up to 30 lbs. or a height of 35 inches. Crafted from sustainable materials, all the fabric (except the mesh windows) is made from recycled water bottles. These plastic bottles are sorted, cleaned, and shredded into flakes, which are then transformed into the yarn that creates the seat fabric. This eco-friendly process makes the play yard not only safe for your baby but also kind to the planet.
The babyGap logos on the play yard add a stylish and elevated look. A removable toy arm with three plush Brannan Bears engages your baby’s early visual development. Additionally, the snap-on hanging storage provides ample space for diapers, wipes, and other toiletries, making this play yard extremely convenient for parents. Traveling with the GAP BabyGap Deluxe Play Yard is a breeze. It has a quick and compact fold, as well as a carrying bag for easy travel or storage. The play yard also has two wheels, making it simple to move around the house. With dimensions of 27.8”W x 37.4”D x 40.2”H and a folded size of 9.5”W x 12”D x 30.1”H, it weighs just 28.6 lbs.
Safety is a top priority. This play yard is JPMA-certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. The mesh sides allow air to circulate freely while also allowing you to see your baby. Assembly is simple and tool-free, ensuring a hassle-free setup.
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11. Best Affordable Travel Crib: Zodiak Portable Playard
The Zodiak Portable Playard with Carry Bag and Shoulder Strap is a perfect choice for families on the go. It features a lightweight aluminum frame that allows for simple mobility. Setting it up is quick and easy, and it folds compactly into the tote bag provided, making it ideal for vacations and travel. Made from polyester foam fabric, the Zodiak is soft and safe for your baby. Your baby can breathe easily through the four airy mesh sides, and you can monitor them while they play or nap. The see-through sides also let your baby look out and stay engaged with their surroundings. Designed with style in mind, the Zodiak Playard is spacious and modern. It comes in seven beautiful finishes with matching patterned edges, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any decor. Cleaning is simple—just wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
The Zodiak Playard includes a padded floor that provides comfort for your baby to play on or catch a nap. The arced corners offer extra safety for your little one. It also features a convenient tote handle for simple carrying. The Zodiak Playard has key specifications, including dimensions of 40 L x 27.5 W x 25.5 H inches and a weight of approximately 16.60 pounds. Its design caters to children under 36 inches in height, with a maximum weight capacity of 30 lbs. This makes the Zodiak Playard a practical and reliable choice for parents seeking a portable and comfortable play area for their baby.
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Test and Analysis of the Best Travel Crib
Here are the following test and analysis of best travel cribs:
Value
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib stands out for its excellent value proposition, offering a chemical-free environment, premium materials, and a convenient backpack carrying case. Despite its higher price point, the safety certifications and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for parents prioritizing their child’s safety and comfort. On the other hand, the Pamo Babe Lightweight provides decent value at a more budget-friendly price.
While it lacks some features like a bassinet, it still offers sturdy construction and breathable mesh sides, catering to parents looking for affordability without compromising on quality. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard offers exceptional convenience with its quick setup and premium materials, but its higher cost might not fit everyone’s budget.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, the Guava Lotus shines with its 3D Z-Fold Technology, allowing for quick setup in just 15 seconds and convenient carrying as a backpack. The Pamo Babe Lightweight is also straightforward to assemble and features a user-friendly side zipper door for easy access. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard takes convenience to the next level with its one-second unfolding and three-second folding mechanism, providing unmatched ease of use for busy parents. However, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX Playard, while versatile, may pose challenges with its heavier weight and complex setup process. Similarly, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light offers simplicity and quick assembly but may lack some of the additional features found in other models.
Portability
Portability is a crucial factor for parents on the go, and the Guava Lotus excels in this aspect with its lightweight design and compact backpack carrying case, ideal for travel through airports or outdoor adventures. The Pamo Babe Lightweight also offers good portability, being lightweight and easy to carry, though it may lack the convenience of a backpack-style carrying case. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard offers effortless portability with its quick folding and compact storage, making it suitable for families constantly on the move. Meanwhile, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX Playard, despite its convertible design, may be bulkier and less convenient to transport due to its heavier weight. The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, while lightweight, may not offer as much portability compared to models with additional features like backpack carrying cases.
Comfort
Comfort is paramount for babies, and the featured travel cribs and playards prioritize providing a cozy environment for sleep and play. The Guava Lotus offers a thick and soft mattress approved for overnight sleep, ensuring comfort for infants and toddlers. The Pamo Babe Lightweight also provides a soft mattress and breathable mesh sides, creating a comfortable space for babies to rest and play. The Bugaboo Stardust features a premium mattress and a sturdy design, offering comfort and safety for young children. Similarly, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX includes a raised bassinet and quilted diaper changer, providing added comfort and convenience for parents. The BabyBjörn focuses on simplicity and comfort with its high-resilient PU foam mattress and airy design, promoting good sleep for babies on the go.
Lightweight Nature
Lightweight design is essential for ease of transportation, especially for frequent travelers. The Guava Lotus stands out as one of the lightest options, weighing just 15 lbs and featuring a backpack carrying case for hands-free travel convenience. The Pamo Babe Lightweight is also lightweight at 12 lbs, making it easy to carry for parents on the move. The Bugaboo Stardust travel crib offers a balance between portability and durability, with a lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on quality. However, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX and the BabyBjörn may be slightly heavier compared to other models, which could be a consideration for parents prioritizing lightweight options.
Quality
Quality construction ensures longevity and safety for babies, and each featured travel crib and playard boasts high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The Guava Lotus is constructed with premium aluminum and non-slip rubberized feet, ensuring durability and stability during use. The Pamo Babe Lightweight features a sturdy frame, reinforced stitching, and soft mesh sides, providing a safe and secure environment for babies to play and sleep. The Bugaboo Stardust Playard offers premium materials and a sleek design, reflecting its reputation for quality and innovation. Similarly, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX and the BabyBjörn prioritize quality and safety, using durable materials and adhering to rigorous safety standards.
Durability
Durability is crucial for travel cribs and playards, as they need to withstand frequent use and transportation. The Guava Lotus is known for its durable construction, utilizing high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel and everyday use. The Pamo Babe Lightweight features a sturdy frame and reinforced stitching, ensuring long-lasting durability for active families. The Bugaboo Stardust is designed to withstand wear and tear, with premium materials and a robust construction that can handle frequent setup and folding. Similarly, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX and the BabyBjörn Travel Crib are built to last, providing a reliable and safe sleep and play environment for babies and toddlers.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy cleaning is essential for maintaining a hygienic environment for babies, and the featured travel cribs and playards offer practical solutions for cleaning and maintenance. The Guava Lotus comes with a removable, washable fabric and mesh cover, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. The Pamo Babe Lightweight features a removable mattress and washable fitted sheet, making it simple to keep the crib clean and fresh. The Bugaboo Stardust boasts easy wipe-clean materials, ensuring quick and hassle-free maintenance for busy parents. Similarly, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX and the BabyBjörn offer removable and washable components, allowing for effortless cleaning and upkeep.
Eco-Friendliness
Eco-friendliness is increasingly important for environmentally conscious parents, and some featured travel cribs and playards incorporate sustainable materials and practices. The Guava Lotus stands out for its chemical-free construction and commitment to safety and sustainability, making it a top choice for eco-conscious families. The Pamo Babe Lightweight may not emphasize eco-friendly materials as prominently but still provides a safe and non-toxic sleep environment for babies. The Bugaboo Stardust travel crib and the BabyBjörn focus on quality and safety, though their eco-friendly features may not be as prominent. Similarly, the Graco Pack ‘n Play Dome LX may not prioritize eco-friendliness as a primary feature, focusing instead on functionality and durability. Overall, while eco-friendliness is a consideration for some parents, the emphasis may vary depending on individual preferences and priorities.
Bottom Line
Without a portable cot, it is possible to travel; but, having a good travel crib can make life much simpler, particularly when traveling with smaller babies who want their sleeping place for their safety. When you need a break (pee break, anyone), a travel crib can give your child a safe place to sleep or play. We believe that if you travel frequently, buying things that make it easier to travel with a baby is money well spent.
Anything that helps you stick to a baby’s sleep routine is worth a lot. Our award-winning cribs cater to a diverse range of budgets and offer features tailored to meet various needs and objectives. If our award winners aren’t the best fit for you, we hope that the information we gave you about our tests can help you find the best travel crib for your baby.