Travel cribs, also known as playards or travel cots, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and versatility. Whether you’re planning a trip with your family, need something for the occasional overnight stay, or are looking for items for a baby registry, a good travel crib is a must-have.
One of the most important considerations when selecting a travel crib is how long you intend to use it. Some portable cribs can be used from infancy all the way up to toddlerhood, while others are designed to be used only during the first few months of a baby’s life. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, it’s worth considering a crib that can grow with your child and serve multiple purposes.
Keep reading to discover models that have made it onto our list of the best travel cribs currently available. Our list includes a range of options to fit various needs and budgets, so you’re sure to find a travel crib that suits you and your child.
Our Top Picks
- Most Lightweight Travel Crib: BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
- Most Affordable Travel Crib: Chicco Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard
- Best Travel Crib For Flying: Guava Lotus Travel Crib
- Best Travel Crib With Changing Station: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
- Easiest To Assemble Travel Crib: UPPAbaby REMI Playard
- Best 2 in 1 Travel Crib: BABY JOY 2 in 1 Travel Crib
- Best Travel Crib For Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
- Best Travel Crib Bassinet: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet
- Best Travel Crib For Toddlers: Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard
- Best Travel Crib For Car Trips: Graco® Pack ‘n Play® Portable Playard
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Travel Cribs Picks
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light – Most Lightweight Travel Crib
- Easy to assemble
- Comfy (but still baby-safe) mattress
- The material is durable and aesthetically pleasing quality material
- Comes with a durable carrying case
- Difficult to lean over sides to place a sleeping baby inside
The Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest travel cribs available, weighing only 11 pounds. It boasts exceptional ease of use with simple assembly, where it unfolds and collapses in a single motion, and there are no loose pieces to worry about.
The breathable mesh sides and firm yet comfortable mattress are top-notch features that ensure your baby’s safety and comfort. Additionally, it is easy to maintain as both the mattress and the fabric frame are machine washable. You can also effortlessly store the crib in any airline luggage compartment when it is folded up and placed in its carrying case.
Chicco Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard – Most Affordable Travel Crib
- Easy to set up and break down
- Zipper area
- Mat is on the ground
- Machine washable
- You will have to air it out upon receiving to get rid of the chemical smell
We highly recommend the Chicco Alfa Lite if you are looking for a portable crib that can double as a playpen. The snap-open mechanism ensures easy assembly in under three minutes and disassembly in under a minute.
One of the standout features for us was the zip-open side panel, which offers older children the freedom to come and go while keeping younger babies safely contained. The panel’s zipper can also be locked from the outside, providing added security against nighttime wandering.
Moreover, the full-size mattress is spacious enough for playtime and securely fastens to the bottom of the crib to prevent any suffocation hazards. Plus, the side handles also offer excellent grip.
You will also appreciate the Greenguard Gold Certified materials, which are detachable and machine washable, making cleanup a breeze.
Guava Lotus Travel Crib – Best Travel Crib For Flying
- It rests on the floor
- The mattress is thin, but not as firm as some other pack and plays
- The zipper opening makes it an easy play space and is helpful with putting baby in when they’re sleeping
- Easy to open and close
- Somewhat tricky to get folded crib into the carrying bag because it uses odd-sized sheets
The Lotus portable crib comes with a unique design, the mattress lays directly on the ground, allowing for use from birth and eliminating any weight restrictions. The frame is incredibly easy to set up and can be conveniently stored in a small backpack that can even be taken on a flight.
One standout feature we love is the side zipper, which serves as an entryway to the crib. This zipper allows you to quickly and easily soothe your baby if they become fussy in a new environment.
Although the side zipper can be locked for security, toddlers will also enjoy the independence of being able to get in and out of the crib on their own. Weighing in at only 13 pounds with the included backpack, the Lotus is one of the lightest options available.
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard – Best Travel Crib With Changing Station
- It comes in a nice travel bag
- Really solid and well-thought-out construction
- Bassinet function / Baby changing station
- Grows with the child toward toddler years
- Expensive considering what you can get other playpens for
The 4moms breeze plus is a highly versatile care station that combines a playard, bassinet, and flip change. With its “one push open, one pull close” feature, this all-in-one solution adapts to your baby’s needs throughout the day and up to the first few years of their life.
The cozy bassinet provides a comfortable sleeping space for your newborn, while the flip changer allows for quick and easy diaper and clothes changes. As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, simply remove the bassinet to create a secure play area. When not in use, all components can be stored neatly in the included travel bag.
UPPAbaby REMI Playard – Easiest To Assemble Travel Crib
- One-handed setup
- Comes with a storage bag
- The bassinet is removable
- Zip down panel
- Expensive compared to other options
With durable construction and attractive design, this playard is loaded with features, including a triple-layer air mesh mattress, a zip-down side panel, and a one-handed, quick-fold system that takes only seconds to complete.
However, the Remi can be pricey, especially when you factor in the cost of additional accessories. Additionally, at around 20 pounds, it is a bit heavy, which may not be ideal for families who travel frequently and require a lightweight, easy-to-carry option. But for those who plan to use it primarily at home and for occasional overnight trips, the Remi is an excellent choice.
BABY JOY 2 in 1 Travel Crib – Best 2 in 1 Travel Crib
- Good size for travel
- Easy to assemble/disassemble
- Easy to see through
- The sides are not too high where it would be a pain to reach over to pick up/drop baby but high enough for safety
- You will have to air it out upon receiving
The Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-in-1 Playpen is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable crib that doubles as a spacious play area. Setting it up takes just about three minutes, and locking the cot is a breeze. Designed for babies from birth to three years old, the crib features breathable mesh walls that allow for good visibility from across the room. Toddlers and crawlers can access the crib easily via the side entrance with the help of a zipper.
It is made with high-quality materials, and the crib’s mattress cover and textiles can be easily removed and laundered as needed. However, its lack of portability is the only downside. We found it too wide for comfortable travel by air, and the short carrying handles provided are not as practical.
Bugaboo Stardust Playard – Best Travel Crib For Small Spaces
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Durable material
- Super lightweight
- The mattress is pretty comfortable
- Only has one color
With the Bugaboo Stardust Travel Crib, you can put your sleepy baby to bed in a matter of seconds, as it unfolds quickly without the need for assembly. This portable crib comes with mesh sides that allow for ample airflow, and you can collapse it without removing the built-in mattress.
Weighing around 14 pounds, it has a compact design that’s ideal for small spaces at home. Additionally, there’s a bassinet attachment for younger babies, a comfortable mattress, and all-around mesh panels for better ventilation.
Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet – Best Travel Crib Bassinet
- Easy to use
- Available in multiple colors
- The pocket at the end is very useful for storing extra sheets
- It slides easily despite not having wheels
- Its bag doesn’t seal at the top which will make checking it at the airport difficult
The Chicco LullaGo Everywhere Portable Bassinet offers a flat and firm sleeping surface, snap-in metal legs, mesh side panels for optimal visibility and ventilation, and a practical shade canopy.
Setting up and folding it flat is a breeze, and it comes with a low-profile carry case that makes it easy to transport from one room to another, weighing in at just 12 pounds.
This bassinet also includes other considerate features, such as a waterproof mattress with a fitted sheet and a mesh storage pocket for keeping necessities close at hand. What’s more, all textiles can be removed and machine washed, which is particularly helpful during mishaps.
Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard – Best Travel Crib For Toddlers
- Comes fully assembled and ready to go right out of the box thanks to its pack-and-play nature
- The versatility is a huge plus as this play yard gets used both for infants and toddlers thanks to the 2 stage mattress
- Very lightweight and portable with a bonus of a high-quality carrying case
- Very easy to assemble and pack up considering how big the play yard is
- On the heavier side
Assembling and disassembling this portable crib is extremely easy, making it worth the extra expense due to its effortless transferability from room to room. The mattress lays flat on its own without the need for Velcro straps, and it can be easily removed from the bottom and lifted for newborns and infants to allow for easier access to your toddler.
As your child grows older, you can raise the mattress to prevent them from climbing out. Although it weighs 18 pounds, which is slightly more than most portable cribs, it is still pretty durable.
Graco® Pack ‘n Play® Portable Playard – Best Travel Crib For Car Trips
- Affordable
- Easy to setup
- Perfect size for traveling
- The wheels make it easy to move
- Not the easiest to transport
The Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go is an affordable portable crib and play yard with an infant bassinet. It’s fairly easy to set up and fold, and it comes with a spacious travel bag for easy packing in a car. Its versatility and longevity are its best features, as it can function as a bassinet, travel crib, or play yard.
However, it may not be suitable for families with limited space or difficulty moving larger items, as it is heavier and larger than most top competitors. It’s a great option for families on a budget looking for a multi-use product with above-average performance. If a bassinet is not necessary, the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go is an excellent value for a portable crib or play yard.
How To Choose The Best Travel Crib?
- Portability: Look for a travel crib that is lightweight and easy to transport. Ideally, it should come with a carrying case and be compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car or in an overhead bin on a plane.
- Setupz: Choose a travel crib that is easy to set up and take down. Some models feature a pop-up design that can be assembled in seconds, while others may require more time and effort to put together.
- Safety: Look for a travel crib that meets safety standards and has a sturdy construction. The crib should have a firm, flat surface, and sturdy sides to prevent your baby from falling out. Check that the crib has no sharp edges or corners and that it is free of any potential hazards (1).
- Comfort: A good travel crib should have a comfortable mattress and provide proper ventilation for your baby. It’s also important to consider the size of the crib and whether it will accommodate your child as they grow.
- Versatility: Some travel cribs can also serve as play yards or bassinets, which can be a great option if you’re looking for a multi-functional product.
What Is A Travel Crib?
A travel crib is a portable sleeping and play space for infants and young children. Also known as a portable crib or playard, a travel crib typically consists of a foldable frame, a removable mattress, and mesh or fabric sides. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for use while traveling or when visiting friends and family.
What Are The Differences Between A Travel Crib And A Regular Crib?
The most obvious difference is that a travel crib is designed to be portable and easy to move around. It’s usually lightweight and comes with a carrying case, making it easy to transport. On the other hand, a regular crib is meant to be set up in one place and is not easily moved.
Travel cribs are typically smaller than regular cribs, which makes them easier to pack and transport. They are designed to fit in small spaces like hotel rooms, and they often have a more compact design that allows them to be folded up for easy storage.
How Do You Fly With A Travel Crib?
Depending on the size and design, some travel cribs can be folded flat and stored in a luggage, while others are compact enough to fit in an overhead compartment and qualify as a carry-on item.
In situations where your travel crib is slightly larger, you can frequently check it in as a bag. Many airlines permit you to check a travel crib for free as an extra piece of baggage. However, it is essential to keep in mind that regulations vary among airlines, so it is important to check with your specific airline’s child travel policies before deciding whether or not to bring your crib with you.
What Sheets Fit A Travel Crib?
Most travel cribs come with a mattress pad that is a standard size, which means that you can typically find sheets that are designed to fit that size. However, it’s still a good idea to measure your mattress pad and check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure.
In general, sheets that fit a travel crib are typically smaller than standard crib sheets, as travel cribs tend to be smaller in size. Some manufacturers offer sheets that are specifically designed to fit their own travel cribs, so it’s worth checking to see if your crib’s manufacturer offers any sheets.
Alternatively, you may be able to find universal sheets that are designed to fit a range of travel cribs. These sheets may have elastic edges that allow them to stretch to fit various sizes of mattress pads.
