Whether you’re going to grandma’s for the weekend or jetting off to Europe for a summer vacation, traveling with a baby is going to require some sort of travel crib.

A comfortable and safe place for snoozing is essential for you and your family to have a pleasant vacation while your child is still young. Hotels provide cribs or Pack n’ Plays, but I’m finding that many parents are bringing their own portable cribs with them.

These days, you can choose from breathable mesh styles to backpacks to grow-with-your-kid options. The best travel crib for you depends on the price, the level of portability and versatility you need, and where you’ll use it.

Top Picks for Best Portable Cribs

Traveling with your baby can have its ups and downs, but one thing that can make a difference is their sleeping space. Take a look at these best travel cribs for babies and toddlers that are essential pieces of baby travel gear that make your job a little more manageable, especially when it comes to traveling and packing.  

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Travel Crib

When choosing the best travel crib for your child, there are many things to ask yourself, such as: 

  • Is it sturdy? 
  • Is it easy to carry? 
  • Is there a sun canopy?
  • Does it have wheels?
  • What is the weight limit?
  • Does it meet safety standards?
  • How big is it when folded and unfolded?
  • Will you use it at home?
  • Are you comfortable with the cost?

The travel cribs below meet the criteria above and have received high-star ratings and glowing parent reviews.

It’s important to check directly with the manufacturer before purchasing as ratings, features, included accessories, and certifications may change. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

15 Best Travel Cribs for Babies and Toddlers

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light (Top Pick)

As the best overall travel crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib is a clear winner. It was our most important piece of baby gear when my daughter was young.

This ergonomic, portable crib provides sturdiness and support. It weighs just 13 lbs, making it great to travel with. The nice carrying case is good for air travel. Check with your airline for carry-on dimension guidelines, but some parents report flying with it as carry-on luggage.

It’s simple to set up. The soft padded mattress rests on the ground, so this travel crib doubles as a soft (and contained) place to play and a sleeping environment. When you need to pack up, remove the mattress, fold in one leg at a time, and then fold the whole crib in half. It literally takes just a few easy minutes.

What’s more, once you’ve folded the crib and put it in its neat carrying bag, there’s room to throw in a few precious extras like small blankets and stuffed animals. You can remove the fabric and put it in the washing machine for cleaning.

I recommend that you buy it with the fitted crib sheet because it fits better than standard crib sheets. It is more of an investment than others on this list.

Ages: 0-3 years old
Weight limit: No upper weight limit
Dimensions: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (closed) and 44 x 24 x 32 inches (open)

Munchkin Brica Travel Pod

If you’re looking for an affordable option without carrying around extra bulk, you’ll love this Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. These best travel cribs for babies are easy to carry and weigh under five pounds, giving you a lightweight, durable, and reliable bassinet with a comfy mattress for sleeping at the park or nearly anywhere.

It features breathable mesh panels, soft fabric, and a locking steel frame. Parents appreciate the low price tag, the safety, and peace of mind, knowing their most important priority is snuggled safely inside. The fitted sheet is machine washable, and you can wipe down the waterproof mattress pad. 

Ages: Infants who can’t push up on hands and knees
Weight limit: 15 lbs.
Dimensions: 30 x 11.75 x 21.25 inches (open) and 22.1 x 20.2 x 3.8 inches (folded)
Item weight: 4.43 lbs.

Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Travel Bassinet

Graco Pack ‘n Plays are superb on-the-go playards from one of the most trusted baby gear brands. We, like many parents, owned one and give it a glowing review. This model can be used as a full-sized bassinet, playpen, and travel cot. You also can’t beat the affordable price.

With a versatile mattress pad, the sturdy and durable nest will give your little one a comfortable place to nap. It features a full-size, removable bassinet that’s easy to travel with and use as a diaper changing table.

It comes with a toy bar and soft toys to help keep your little one entertained. Designed to pack up easily with the signature Graco push-button fold means that packing it up is a cinch. Be sure to order the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard with the folding bassinet. It also has folding feet and wheels, so it’s 20% more compact than standard Pack ‘n Plays, and you can move it around your house or hotel. The mattress is included but sheets are sold separately. To clean, wipe down with mild soap.

  • Bassinet Weight Limit: Infants up to 15 lbs
  • Playard Size Limit: Children up to 35″ tall, unable to climb out
  • Dimensions: 39.5 x 29 x 10.5 inches (folded) and 39.5 x 28.25 x 29 inches (open)

Guava Lotus Travel Crib 

If you’ve ever experienced traveling with kids, you’ll know the value of having to cart one less thing around with you. That’s where this easy Guava Lotus Travel Crib wins hands down as the best portable backpack travel bed. This ultra-lightweight, portable crib folds seamlessly into a compact carrying case that is easy to toss onto your back, and off you go.

Like the BabyBjörn travel crib, the mattress rests on the floor, so there’s no worry about a weight limit. The frame is easy to open or stow away. One unique thing about this portable crib is its side zipper “door,” creating a doorway for you to nurse, cuddle, and play with your little one. The company claims that it takes 15 seconds to set the crib up.

It also comes with a GreenGuard Certification, meaning you won’t find phthalates, flame retardants, PVC, lead, and other harsh chemicals in the crib’s materials.

The Lotus by Guava Family weighs 11 pounds with the bag, so it’s not too heavy to carry around, worry-free at the airport, easy to fly with. They call it airport-friendly, but you may have to check it at the gate. Check your airline’s carry-on luggage measurements.

A comfy mattress and waterproof cover are both included. Wipe down to clean, but you can launder its organic crib sheets (sold separately).

Ages: 0–3
Dimensions: 46 x 31 x 25.5 inches (open) and 24 x 8 x 12 inches (backpack)
Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, US Federal Standard for Play Yards
(16 CFR 1221 / ASTM F406), Consumer Product Safety Info Act (H.R. 2020 / CPSIA 2008)

Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome

The Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome is a 2-in-1 portable crib, perfect for relaxing at home or traveling with your baby. Two colorful toys dangle from the toy bar for a little sensory entertainment. They are easy to remove and you can also add on other accessories to the bar if you like.

The portable crib features a comfortable mattress for your little one to take naps or play on. The canopy fully covers the crib to prevent distraction, sun exposure (it’s UPF 20) and keeps out any bugs with its insect-protective netting. It’s popular for use both indoors and outdoors. 

Collapse the dome flat and transport it everywhere using the convenient carry handle. The mat is machine washable but you would wipe down the rest of the travel crib.

Ages: Babies who can not hold their heads up
Dimensions: 31.38 x 5.38 x 22 inches (open)
Item weight: 12.17 lbs.

MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

If you’re a parent who relies on rocking your baby as a part of their bedtime routine, the MiClassic Foldable 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet is a superb travel bed. It quickly converts from a stationary sleeper bed to a rocking cradle that’s super easy to pack up and move around. 

It comes with a carrying travel bag and folds quickly without needing to be disassembled. Though it’s not the smallest option, parents love this rocking bassinet with breathable mesh sides. You can take off its legs for easier transport, however. The brand also states that you can only use MiClassic sheets and accessories with this bassinet. The bassinet zipper cover and mattress cover are machine washable.

Ages: Okay for babies until they begin to push up on hands and knees or have reached 33 lbs
Dimensions: 37.4 x 23.8 x 28 inches (unfolded) and 22.8 x 6.7 x 20.7 inches (folded)
Item weight: 18.16 pounds
Certifications: Meets or exceeds all required and voluntary CPSIA safety requirements

Delta Children EZ Fold 

Delta Children EZ Fold is another easy-to-set, fold-and-go travel crib option. The ultra-compact fold has a provided travel bag for quick transport and storage (no assembly required). 

It features breathable mesh sides, providing ventilation for those hot summer days. For added protection, there is a removable canopy. The lightweight design and easy-to-use carrying case mean you can cart it anywhere without any trouble. A machine-washable, waterproof mattress pad and fitted sheet are also included.

Age: Until infants begin to push up on hands and knees or have reached the manufacturer’s recommended maximum weight of 15 lbs — whichever comes first.
Dimensions: 41.7 x 20.7 x 24.8 inches
Item weight: 13.3 lb
Certifications: Certified by JPMA meet or exceed CPSC & ASTM standards

KidCo P3012 Peapod 

The micro-lite KidCo P3012 Peapod comes pre-assembled and ready to use. It’s one of the most lightweight travel cribs on this list.

The lightweight travel bed is surrounded by mesh, providing great airflow with anchor straps and UV protection. It’s easy to fold up and fits into a standard carry bag, ideal for adventure parents looking to go camping, to the beach, on picnics, etc. This is one of the travel cribs that you can toss into a suitcase or larger handbag with no problem. Wipe down to clean.

Ages: 1–3 years old
Dimensions: 16.5 x 3 x 16.5 inches (folded) and 46 x 18 x 28 inches (open)
Item weight: 2.45 lbs
Certifications: This product passes all required ASTM and Federal standards

4Moms Breeze GO

It doesn’t get any easier than this quick, one-push open and one-pull close setup. Press on the center of this roomy playard and watch it all open in place. When you’re ready to pack it away, pull the center loop to fold it up. It’s the perfect accessory for travel or moving around the house. 

The one-handed 4moms Breeze GO portable playard is designed to give you clear views of your little one. It features a mattress that’s easy to wipe down and a travel bag you can simply fold up and pack away. Though it’s not the lightest travel crib, where it lacks in weightlessness, it compensates with its effortless setup. You can also check out the 4moms Breeze Plus for a more deluxe version with a bassinet and playard.

Age: birth to 30 lbs.
Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 29 inches (open)
Item weight: 23 lbs.

Joovy Room² Portable Playard

The Joovy Room² Portable Playard provides nearly 50% more play area than most traditional playards. This is perfect for families with twins or very active babies and their friends. The playard doubles up as a portable crib with wheels for easy play on the go and mobility. 

What’s also great is you can use this crib as a safe place for your baby right up until your kid is a toddler. It features four mesh walls to provide you with a 360-degree view of your child and their playdate. This portable playard also comes with a travel bag and a waterproof cotton fitted sheet, making it ready for any family vacation.

Ages: newborns to toddlers 35″ tall
Dimensions: 39.75 x 39.75 x 31 inches (open) and 10 x 9.5 x 37 inches (folded)
Item weight: 29.6 lbs.

Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet

From naptime to nighttime, the Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet will provide peace and quiet, wherever you go. The portable smart design includes a fitted sheet to keep your baby snug and safe. 

It features a foldable frame that expands and folds quickly. Mesh sides increase visibility for mothers and fathers, and allow for airflow to keep your baby comfortable.

With different modes to use, you can rock your baby to sleep or lock it into a stationary mode whenever you need. Wipe or spot clean.

Ages: 0–5 months or 15 lbs.
Dimensions: 37 x 23 x 28 inches (open)
Item weight: 18.34 lbs.
Certifications: Meets ASTM Standards

Sunba Youth Baby Tent

One of the biggest selling points for the Sunba Youth Baby Tent is its ultra-portable weight at under two pounds. There’s no assembly required because the tent pops up within seconds and is easy to fold back up into a small circle for storage. 

The lightweight travel tent is made of 100% eco-friendly certified fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. The tent has a UPF 50+ to protect your child from the sun’s rays during your outdoor and beach vacations. Tent pegs help keep it in place outside.

It’s the perfect travel crib for outside and inside use, whether at home, on a picnic, or at the beach. It’s super easy to set up and is the ideal light travel companion to sling over your shoulder with the provided carry bag. Note that it doesn’t come with a mattress pad. Wipe clean.

Dimensions:  53 x 35 x 24 inches (open) and 19.3 inch diameter (folded)
Item weight: 1.4 lbs.

Final Thoughts on Travel Cribs that You’ll Love for Your Child 

I can’t tell you how much I recommend travel cribs, even if you don’t have any trips planned in the near future. Not only will you be prepared to visit grandma or for an impromptu road trip, but you may find that you’re using these baby products around the house. It’s nice to have a portable option that you can easily move from room to room.

When it does come time to check in to a hotel or vacation rental, your baby or toddler may sleep better in a familiar sleeping environment if you bring your own travel crib.

See also:

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).

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