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.
I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
List of Contents
In a hurry? We recommend…
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.
Burt’s Bees Baby Unisex-Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
• 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
How long can you use Baby Bjorn Travel Crib?
Up until 3 years or until your kid decides to climb out of it. There’s no weight limit as the mattress is directly on the floor.
Can you use a travel crib as a pack n play?
Yes you can. But only for sleeping. Travel cribs like the BabyBjorn can’t really turn into a playpen like the Graco, because of its narrow top.
Are pack ‘n plays safe to use?
Yes. As long as you follow sleeping safety guidelines and manufacturer’s warnings and recommendations.
Can I use a crib mattress in a Pack ‘ N Play?
No. Crib mattresses are bigger than the standard size pack n play.
Also, it’s not recommended to use a different mattress that’s not advised by the manufacturer, for safety reasons.
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.