Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best portable cribs are ideal if you travel with your baby frequently or require a second crib to carry around easily. A portable crib is smaller than a standard crib and is designed to be lightweight and compact. It keeps the baby comfortable while you’re on the go or staying at a friend’s place for the night.
Read on to learn about some tried-and-tested portable cribs, their features, and some safety measures to keep in mind when using them.
Safety Measures To Take When Using A Portable Crib
Keep these pointers in mind to ensure your baby’s safety.
- Never leave your baby unsupervised inside the portable crib.
- Do not use a portable crib for children who weigh more than 30lb and are taller than 34in.
- Make sure the portable baby crib is designed complying with the safety rules.
- Do not put pillows, stuffed toys, etc. inside the crib as they may suffocate the baby.
- Always wash the mattress and sheets of the crib.
, a pediatric sleep consultant, says “Using a portable crib when traveling can make a huge difference. It can keep your baby comfortable and prevent them from forming new sleep habits. Families who maintain a sleep routine when traveling seem to fare much better once they get home.”
Top Picks
11 Best Portable Cribs For Hassle-Free Traveling In 2024
1.Best For Interaction:MiClassic All Mesh Portable Crib
The MiClassic portable crib is easy to store or transport as it features a compact size for travel purposes. It comes with a bassinet whose edges and corners are covered with soft padding for safety. The portable crib’s base is sturdy, and complies with the CPSIA safety standards. It is available in crystal and gray colors. Check out this review of the product meant for little travelers for more information.
Pros
- Easy one-second open-and-fold system
- All around mesh fabric for breathability
- Pegs for smooth rocking movements
- Comes with the extra feature of a carry bag
- Dual modes—stationary and rocking
Cons
- May not suit newborns
- Some may find the height to be too low
2.Best Height-Adjustable:Graco Travel Lite Crib
This playard crib comes with a unique height-adjusting feature and can be used as both a portable travel crib and a playard. It is recommended for newborns and babies weighing up to 15lb. This crib is designed to be 20% smaller than traditional cribs, making it compact enough to fit beside your bed for co-sleeping without adding much to your luggage.
With three growing stages, this crib is carefully made to grow with your little one, right from newborn to young toddler. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review.
Pros
- Foldable and portable design
- Caster wheels for easy mobility
- Carry bag included
- Mesh on the side for better ventilation and visibility
- Comes with a canopy with soft toys
- Maximum weight limit—20 pounds
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- May not be sufficiently padded
"I have used the Graco playard as a versatile bassinet since my baby's birth. Its three stages offer adaptability as my baby grows. Why I love it? It maintains its sturdiness, offering added support under the mattress and preventing dips. Overall, it is a good solution for small spaces or use during travel."
3.Best Safe & Non-Toxic:The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,205 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
If you often need to travel with your baby or are looking for a crib to lay your child out in the backyard, try the trusted and tested Guava Family Lotus travel crib. Ideal for traveling, this crib is certified non-toxic and can be used to sleep and play for babies up to three years old.
The crib edges have smooth padding to keep your precious little traveler safe. The thick and soft foam mattress makes it a fine portable baby bed to let your baby sleep or play comfortably. The dimensions of this crib are 42x32x25in. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to assemble and dismantle
- Comes with a portable carrying backpack
- All-round mesh fabric for ventilation
- Side zipper door for ease of supervision
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be easy to lift the baby out from the crib
"This crib is thoughtfully designed and perfect in size and weight for travel. It is pretty straightforward to assemble and dismantle. My baby slept well in it on vacation, and since it comes with a thick, soft foam-based mattress, it ensures safe playtime as well."
Point to considerMesh cribs are usually lighter and easier to carry, as they can be folded down, unlike wood cribs which can be dismantled but not reduced in size.
MiClassic All Mesh Portable Crib Best For Interaction | Graco Travel Lite Crib Best Height-Adjustable | The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib Best Safe & Non-Toxic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.72 pounds | 19.73 Pounds | 15 pounds |
| Material | Fabric, Mesh | Mesh | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 37.4"L x 23.8"W x 11.02"H | 23.19 x 33.5 x 32.25 inches | 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches |
| Color | - | Black | Grey, Black, White |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,422 | 61 | 2,205 |
| Price | $79.99 | $177 | $239.0 |
4.Best Easy-To-Assemble:BabyBjorn Travel Crib
This crib from Baby Bjorn is an ideal on-the-go crib for newborns to babies aged three years. The portable baby bed is made up of 100% polyester and is baby-friendly. Built to give reassuring supervision to the baby while sleeping, the baby travel crib weighs only 11 pounds. You can choose from the three different colors available. Thanks to this easy-to-assemble crib, going on trips with your little one has never been this easy.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foldable design
- Easy to set up
- Comes with a carry-on bag
- Mesh fabric for ventilation
- Mattress included
- Fabric can be easily cleaned via machine washing
Cons
- May not be suitable for a larger baby
- Hem may come undone after washing
5.Best Multi-Functional:Dream On Me 3-In-1 Portable Side Crib
Made of a solid Birchwood frame, this portable baby sleeper can be converted into a playpen and a changing station with ease. The baby traveling crib can be trusted by moms and dads as it measures 41x26x40in and can bear up to 35 pounds of weight.
The Dream On Me portable travel crib has hinged stationary back rails and hooded safety wheels for the safety of babies. You can choose from five different colors to suit your nursery.
The Dream On Me crib has hinged stationary back rails and hooded safety wheels for the safety of babies. You can choose from five different colors to suit your nursery.
Pros
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Lightweight and portable
- Crib mattress and assembly tools included
- Caster wheels for easy movement
- Rail system for safety
Cons
- Some may find the directions to be vague
- May require additional effort to make the mattress board sit
"The crib is a fantastic travel partner for toddlers. It is a bit bulky, even when folded, but the wheels make them portable. Adjusting the mattress height in the crib is an easy process."
6.Best Crib For Smaller Spaces:Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
If you have a space constraint, then go for this mini crib from Babyletto. Measuring 37.6×23.5in, this lightweight crib is built for urban nurseries. This can be used in place of a bassinet as it is suitable for newborns to babies aged above 18 months, making family trips more baby-friendly.
The baby traveling crib has a low profile and is made of solid New Zealand pine wood. Its mattress is included and is TSCA-compliant, making this a safe and effective crib for your little one. The railing system provides ventilation and safety for the baby.
Pros
- Stylish design and compact size
- Compact size; doesn’t take up much luggage space
- Caster wheels for easy mobility
- Adjustable to two positions to suit the child
- Smooth finish with non-toxic paint
- Foldable design
- Maximum weight limit—50 pounds
- Comes in seven colors
Cons
- Instructions in the manual may not be clear
- May require additional tools to assemble
"Despite the paint not being chip-resistant, this crib is a winner as it is space-efficient and serves as a sturdy crib. Plus, the crib's durability and versatility make it an impressive option."
Quick tipOpt for a portable crib with sufficient inbuilt padding, so you do not have to carry an additional mattress, making it more efficient.
7.Best Lightweight:Giantex Store Nursery Baby Crib Set
The nursery crib set from Giantex is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel. This trusted crib can be folded and carried in a bag with ease. It is made of lightweight yet sturdy material that ensures comfort and safety for your baby. The mesh windows on the side help in proper air circulation and visibility and allow easy access through the zippers.
It also features a diaper place, a side pocket, two wheels for moving, and an eye-catching rack with star-shaped toys to keep the baby engaged. You can choose from the four colors available.
Features
- Foldable design
- Diaper changer and storage pocket included
- Lockable caster wheels for easy mobility
- Zippered mesh windows for ventilation and interaction
- Star hanging toys for engagement
"This large, portable crib has been very helpful for when we stayed in places that weren't baby-friendly. The assembly was taxing, as the sidebars were tricky to hook. Nevertheless, this crib has been able to accommodate my newborn and my toddler. Hence, this crib gets a thumbs-up for size, suitability, and sturdiness."
8.Best Easy-To-Carry:KoolerThings 3-In-1 Portable Crib
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 1,529 fine reviews on Amazon.
Babies outgrow their cribs and other nursery furniture soon, so it makes sense to buy multipurpose items that can be used during the later years too. The KoolerThings foldable and portable baby bed can be used as a crib, playpen, and bedside sleeper for overnight sleeping purposes. With five gear adjustments for height, this portable folding crib can easily fit your bedside.
The zippers on the windows allow easy access to your baby. It can be used as a standalone bassinet in your home or as a travel bassinet while you are on the go, making family trips more feasible. It is meticulously crafted with multiple layers that are built to last.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Mesh windows for easy access and air circulation
- Built-in wheels with brakes
- Mattress and carry bag included
- Safety belt to secure the crib to the bed
Cons
- May not suit platform beds
- Bassinet may not be suitable for carpets
"The bassinet's portability facilitated my little one's sleep needs during travel, and its adjustable height and ability to serve as a bedside sleeper always come in handy. It was very easy to assemble and has grown with my newborn. However, maneuvering the wheels can be a bit challenging at times. Despite this minor shortcoming, it is a worthwhile purchase."
CautionPortable cribs often have wheels for easy movement. Ensure the wheels come with wheel locks and breaks for your baby’s safety.
9.Best Easy-Fold Crib:DaVinci Dylan Folding 3-In-1 Mini Crib
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,376 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
With a Greenguard gold safety certification, this mini crib from Da Vinci, a trusted brand, is tested for chemicals and safety standards. The compact crib with a foldable design is ideal for small spaces. It will quickly get dad-and-mom-approved as it comes with rolling wheels for portability.
This versatile crib can be converted to a portable baby bed and a mini crib with a conversion tool kit that is sold separately. Also, the mattress position can be changed to accommodate the changing needs of your growing baby. It is available with a mattress and without it and in gray and white.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Wheels have brakes
- Four adjustable mattress positions
- Compatible with any standard-size mini crib mattress
- Maximum weight limit—50 pounds
Cons
- May not have ample ventilation
- May not be suitable for laminate floors
"The crib's collapsible design has been very helpful for storage purposes. Assembling it was challenging due to the not-so-clear instructions manual. Nevertheless, once set, it kept my little one comfortable throughout the night. And the fact that it can be converted into a toddler bed makes it a worthy investment."
10.Best Lightweight: Dream On Me Travel Light Playard
With a weight of only 10.6lb, this portable play yard is lightweight, making it easy to carry during trips. When set up, the crib measures 40.5x27x26 inches and comes with a one-inch thick mattress. This tried-and-tested portable crib with mesh sides is extremely convenient for you to keep a watchful eye on your little one while you continue to do your chores nearby. Additionally, it features a locking system that allows you to secure the crib in its open position, preventing it from folding on its own.
Pros
- Breathable
- Foldable design
- Quick and easy to set up
- Allergen-free mesh and fabric
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a bag for better transportation
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- Slanted legs may pose a risk of tripping
- Some may find it a bit wobbly
"The DreamOnMe Travel Light Playard is compact, lightweight, and quick to set up. The roomy mattress space is great for both babies and toddlers. It sure has made our travels much easier."
11.Best Lightweight:Phil&Teds Portable Traveler Crib
Now, you can give your baby the comfort of sleeping in a crib, even while on a family trip, with this pack-and-play crib. The Phil & Teds portable travel crib is multifunctional and can convert into a portable sleeping cot, crib, or playpen.
The crib’s edges and corners come with smooth, padded fabric, and a zip on one side to let your baby easily move in and out of the crib. It is recommended for little travelers aged zero to three years and weighing about seven pounds.
Pros
- Easy and quick to set up
- Portable and lightweight
- Foldable design
- Zippered mesh covering for easy accessibility and proper air circulation
- Sturdy support bars
- Carry-on bag included
- Compact to fit into the overhead compartment of an airplane
Cons
- Air mattress may seem slightly thin
- Mesh may get stretched out with use
"This travel crib is easy to set up—it takes just five minutes—and the lightweightness and fold-up size make it great for flight travel. It did move a bit during a "test run," so consider weighing it down."
How To Choose The Right Portable Crib?
A portable crib should have certain characteristics to fulfill its purpose. Here are a few points to consider when buying one.
- Weight: The primary purpose of buying a portable crib is to carry it with ease, so you must look for a lightweight option. The crib should be easy to carry with one hand because your hands can be pretty full with a baby.
- Compact design: Usually, a portable crib is used as a second crib or to carry along during traveling. So, it should be as compact as possible to fit even in tiny hotel rooms. Choose a crib that has a small frame and can fit in any corner.
[ Read : Babyhug Kelly Wooden Cot ]
- Assembling and dismantling: Another important aspect of a portable crib is how easily you can set up or dismantle it. It is best to choose a crib that requires minimal assembly and can be disassembled in a jiffy.
- Safety: A crib is a sleeping spot for your precious little one, so it is important to choose a crib with all the safety features. Look at things like soft padding for the edges, smooth corners, a sturdy base, and a breathable mesh covering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a baby sleep in a travel crib every night?
No, travel cribs are meant for nap times and when your baby has to sleep in a travel crib at night due to unexpected situations. Ensure the portable cribs are as per CPSC safety standards(1). Remember that you can’t make your child sleep in the travel crib daily.
2. Are portable cribs safe?
Portable cribs are safe if they have a firm, flat surface and meet CPSC safety standards(1). However, ensure you do not place pillows, toys, or objects in the crib to prevent suffocation.
3. What is the right age to use portable cribs?
The right age to use a portable crib is six months to two years old or until your baby climbs out of the crib.
4. Is a portable crib easy to carry?
Yes, portable cribs are specially designed with lightweight material for easy carrying.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, the author of this post, understands the safety concerns and difficulties of carrying a baby outside. She has gone through details and customer reviews of various products to prepare a list of the best portable cribs with their features. She has also included safety measures to consider when using a portable crib and a buying guide to assist you in selecting the most suitable crib for your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Portable cribs are lightweight and compact and help your baby sleep peacefully when traveling. However, you should also consider several safety factors when buying one—these include soft padding on the edges, a sturdy base, and breathable mesh covering. Choose a baby-friendly crib that is compact and easy to assemble, similar to the MiClassic All Mesh Portable Crib. You can also consider the well-ventilated Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib for its lightweight and portable design. In addition, if you are looking for a crib that can be converted to a playpen, consider the Dream On Me 3-In-1 Portable Side Crib. Further, you can consider a crib with durable caster wheels that help move the crib around easily.
Infographic: How To Use Portable Cribs Safely?
The compact and lightweight design of portable cribs makes them convenient sleep solutions for babies and toddlers during travel or temporary use. It is essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure the comfort and well-being of the baby while using these cribs. Explore the infographic below to learn how to use portable cribs safely and effectively.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
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