Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play: Which One To Get and Why? 

Traveling with a newborn can be stress-inducing. You have to fit everything in limited suitcases, you’ll worry about your baby’s quality of sleep and you’re not sure whether you can bring in certain baby items.

If you’re undecided what to bring for traveling between the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play, then this article is for you.

I will cover here the major and minor differences and similarities between the two and highlight each of their pros and cons.

I will also share some tips and tricks from parents online on how to use them for travel. Plus some alternatives that you might like to explore.

Let’s start first with the most common question about the Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib.

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Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light for frequent travelers and Pack n Play for those who seldom travel and are on a budget.

So what’s the difference between a Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play?

It basically comes down to price and convenience.

The Baby Bjorn is more expensive but is much lighter and easier to clean than a Graco Pack N Play.

But what the latter lacks, makes up for its features and accessories. A pack n play can become a great crib alternative. Some pack n play models come with storage, organizers, bouncer and a whole lot more.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play.

Features	Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light	Graco Pack n Play
Dimension	‎44 x 25 x 32 inches and weighs 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag)	Size ranges from 28″ to 41″ in length, 28.5″ to 39″ in width and 29″ to 41″ in height.
Type	1 type only	Has various models
Mattress	• Included • Can buy separately	• Not included • Can buy separately
Portable	Yes (lighter than Graco)	Yes
Easy to Assemble	Yes	Mixed review
Uses	For sleeping only	Multifunctional
Accessories	Not available	Available
Design	Sleek and minimal	Colours are loud and lively
Price	Much more expensive	Price can range from cheap to expensive
Safety	OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification	In compliance with goverrnment standards
Longevity	• No weight limit • Can use as long as child is not attempting to climb out	• Weight limit: 30 lb (14 kg) and height limit 35 in (89 cm) • Can use as long as child is not attempting to climb out
Durable	Yes	Yes
Storage	Carrying case included	Carrying case included

Check out a more detailed info on the Graco Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib.

Difference Between Graco Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

Size

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib when assembled, measures ‎44 x 25 x 32 inches and weighs 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag).

The pack n play or playards on the other hand, have sizes ranging from from 28″ to 41″ in length, 28.5″ to 39″ in width and 29″ to 41″ in height.

Their weight varies too, depending on the model and the number of accessories it has.

In general, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is more lightweight and portable, making it easier to bring on trips and vacations.

Types

Baby Bjorn has only 1 travel crib in their selection and it comes with its own mattress and transport bag.

Pack ‘n plays on the other hand, have so many types and models! 

For this comparison article though, we will only focus on Graco, the brand synonymous with the word pack ‘n play.

Graco playards ranges from simple to those that comes with the full bells and whistle – removable seat, bassinet, diaper changing table, storage, toy mobile and more.

You can check out some of those types below: 

Mattress

The Baby Bjorn mattress is softer and much more comfortable than a pack n plays. It’s much more cushioned and provides more padding.

Pack n plays’ mattresses are usually thin and less firm and can get lumpy overtime.

But both mattresses are safe to use when safety protocols and regulations are followed.

Mattress Sheets

You can choose to get the Baby Bjorn travel crib with it’s waterproof and breathable mattress cover. 

Pack n plays don’t usually come with a mattress cover. 

So if you want to get one, check first with the manufacturer or the store (where you got your pack n plays) about the brand of sheet to buy for the mattress.

An ill-fitting sheet can become a safety issue and might accidentally cover your kid and suffocate them while sleeping.

It’s easy to find pack n play or travel crib sheets online but always check if it’s the right size.

Also always buy some extra mattress sheets, as kids can cause a lot of mess – diaper blowouts, spit-ups, vomits etc.

Portability

Both can be portable in their own ways. 

But when it comes to a more lightweight packing and carrying, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is hands down so much better than a pack n play.

It’s easier to fold and store plus it only weighs 13 lbs/6 kg. 

It can even fit in a huge luggage!

Which is very helpful, especially if you don’t want to pay additional baggage fees and you frequently travel with your little one.

Pack n plays can be portable too as some come with its carrying case and wheels, but it’s much heavier than the travel crib.

You need to check this in separately, if you’re traveling by plane.

Assembly

Assembling the BabyBjorn Travel Crib is way easier and faster than a pack n play. 

One mom even mentioned that she was able to assemble it in less than 10 minutes while holding her very active baby!

Pack n plays are not that difficult to assemble but it does take more time, compared to the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light.

Uses

Pack n plays have multiple uses – overnight sleeping, napping, travel crib, playpen. 

And depending on the model, it can also be used as a bassinet, for changing diapers, for storing and organizing diapers and small baby stuff. 

Some even come with a portable bouncer and vibrating seat!

Other playard brands can even fit in twins comfortably such as the Joovy Room²-Playard, Portable-Playard.

The BabyBjorn travel crib on the other hand is only used for sleeping. 

It can’t be used as a playpen, as it has a narrower top, which gives it a weird, claustrophobic feeling for playing.

Accessories

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light doesn’t come with any accessory.

While the pack n play has tons! 

Depending on the model, it can come with a toy mobile, diaper changing table, bassinet, organizer, even a vibrating seat and many more!

Design

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light has a sleek, minimal look which I think is more aesthetically pleasing than a pack n play.

Pack n play designs and colors are usually very loud and lively.

Price

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is waaaay more expensive than a pack n play. 

Some pack n plays come with so many accessories but it’s still not as expensive as the BabyBjorn Travel Crib so you might consider that.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play: Similarities

Safety

Baby Bjorn travel crib comes with an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification. It means that all fabrics that come in contact with your child are baby-safe materials.

Graco Pack n Plays are also in compliance with government standards. 

Longevity

There is no weight limit for the BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light as the mattress is on the floor.

It’s safe to use as long as your kid can stay inside it and is not attempting to climb out of it.

Pack n plays are also the same but it does have a weight limit of 30 lb (14 kg) and height limit 35 in (89 cm).

Personally though, I know of families who’ve used their pack n plays until their kid was 4 years old. Kid was mellow, never tried to climb out of it or anything tricky so it really depends on your children.

Durability

Both the Pack n Plays and the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib are very durable and sturdy.

The BabyBjorn’s travel crib’s base keeps it standing firmly on the floor.

While Pack n Plays are trusted to be more durable as some models have bassinets in them, which can be used for newborns. 

Which means they have to strictly follow government regulations and be as stable and heavy-duty as much as possible.

Plus some pack ‘n plays carry a lot of accessories so sturdiness is a non-negotiable.

Storage

Both comes with a carrying case and can be folded for storing when not needed.

Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib: Pros and Cons

Here’s a general overview of the advantages and drawbacks of the Graco Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to clean
• Thicker mattress

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Cons

• Expensive
• Can only be used for sleeping
• No accessories

Graco Pack ‘n Play

Pack ‘N Play Pros

• Cheaper
• Multifunctional 
• Comes with tons of accessories

Pack ‘N Play Cons

• Thin and less firm mattress
• Heavier than a travel crib
• Not as sleek or pretty

Tips and Tricks: Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play

• Bring your sheets when traveling

Change can be hard for little ones and they will mostly miss their home environment or their bed when traveling.

For them not to miss the “smell of home,” some parents advised to bring your sheets, instead of using the hotel’s. 

The familiar scent of your pack n play or travel crib’s mattress cover might soothe your little one’s fear of being away from home. 

It might help them sleep in an unfamiliar place.

• Put climbers in a sleep sack

This is a great hack for kids who are trying to climb out of their pack n play, especially the tall and/ or adventurous ones. I wish I thought of this before!

Use it to deter them from climbing out of their pack n plays or travel crib.

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• BabyBjorn travel crib is allowed in Canada

If you’re traveling to Canada with your little ones, take note that they have a lot of restrictions when it comes to bringing baby gears. 

They’ve banned a lot of products including baby walkers, drop side cribs and such.

It’s not definite if pack n plays are allowed, since Health Canada doesn’t approve them for sleep.

But the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is allowed, as it’s considered a portable crib.

• Consider your back

A BabyBjorn’s mattress is set on the floor and you have to bend and lean down to pick up or lay down your kid. 

A pack n play’s mattress is slightly elevated from the floor. 

Some have a bassinet feature that can go up a bit more, making it easy to lean in and carry or put down your kid. 

So consider these things if you have a bad back.

Pack n Play vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib: FAQ

Alternatives to Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play

If you’re still on the fence about either the BabyBjorn Travel Crib or the Pack ‘N Play, try exploring these other options:

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play: Which One Is Better?

If you frequently travel (especially to Canada) and money is not an issue, then a BabyBjorn Travel Crib light is better to have.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

It’s safe, lightweight, easy to pack (can fit inside a large suitcase) and easy to clean, which is very convenient for traveling.

However, if you’re on a budget and you only travel once in a while, then a Pack n Play will do.

Graco Pack ‘n Play

Just check with the airline or hotel if it’s okay to bring (especially if you’re going to Canada!)

It’s not as light as the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, but it’s portable enough that you can keep it in the car or check it in as a separate baggage.

A pack n play is also a great crib alternative for your home. It can come with a lot of accessories that can help care for your child, such as a diaper changing table, mobile toys, etc.

I hope this comparison between the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play has helped you finally decide between the two.