Are you planning a trip with your little one but don’t want to compromise on their sleep routine?
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best travel cribs on the market that have the most overwhelming amount of recommendations from parents and baby experts.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about them like their best features, pros and cons, feedback from parents and more.
Let’s start with a comparison overview of their features below.
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
Best Travel Cribs: Feature Comparison Table
This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the best travel cribs.
| Travel Cribs | Weight | Dimension | Travel Bag | Can be checked-in as Carry-On? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guava Lotus Travel Crib | 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag) | 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 in (LxWxH) | Available | Yes | Expensive |
| Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light | 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag) | 32 x 44 x 24 in (LxWxH) | Available | Tricky but possible | Expensive |
| Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard | 18.96 lbs/ 8.6 kg | 39.5 x 28.25 x 54 in (LxWxH) | Available | No | Affordable |
| Bugaboo Stardust Playard | 14.8 lbs/ 6.7 kg | 25 x 38.8 x 33.5 in (LxWxH) | Available | No | Expensive |
| Chicco Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard | 12.5 lbs/ 5.7 kg | 43 x 29 x 25 in (LxWxH) | Available | Tricky but possible | Affordable |
Best Travel Cribs (Features, Pros, Cons and More)
Guava Lotus Travel Crib
- Weight: 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag)
- Dimensions: 45.5″ L x 31.5″ W x 25.5 H
Folded (in Backpack) Length: 24”, Width: 7”, Height: 11”
This is bar none, the best travel crib in the market, according to a LOT and I mean a LOT of parents and even baby experts.
I have seen and heard recommendations about this travel crib over and over again, so it’s pretty hard to ignore it!
This is one of the travel cribs that seemed to have it all – lightweight and portable, non-toxic, comes with its travel bag which checked-in as a carry-on, easy to set up, JPMA-certified, doesn’t have any weight limit, etc.
Not only that, you can use this as a bassinet initially (with a conversion kit) and then as a crib, extending its use!
It’s not a perfect travel crib though as it comes with flaws. Such as you have to buy the mattress sheets separately, it can be tricky to put on the sheets (according to some parents) and it’s expensive.
Overall though, a lot of parents are happy with it and it’s been worth the price.
Check out a more detailed review here of the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can be checked in as a carry-on
- Non-toxic bassinet/ crib
- Very durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with mattress sheets
- Expensive
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
- Weight: 13 lbs/6 kg (including carry bag)
- Dimensions: 32 x 44 x 24 in/82 x 112 x 64cm
- Folded down in carry bag: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 in/49 x 60 x 14 cm
This is a close contender to the Lotus Travel crib as it’s also quite popular with parents.
Plus it has a lot of great features such as having the OEKO-TEX Standard certification, easy to set up, machine-washable, and of course, lightweight and portable, and comes with a carrying case.
It also comes in 3 different colors, which is not offered by its most popular counterpart!
It’s slightly more expensive than the Guava Lotus though and it’s not as plane-friendly, according to most parents.
And it also comes with this weird, narrow top which can make it uncomfortable for your kids to stand and hold on.
Still, it’s a top-notch travel crib that’s easy to use and most importantly, comfortable and safe for your little one.
Check out a comparison review between the Guava Lotus vs Baby Bjorn Travel Crib.
Pros
- Can be carried suitcase-style
- Has 3 color options
- Lightweight
Cons
- More expensive than the Lotus crib
- Narrower crib top
- Tricky to check-in as carry-on
Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 28.25 x 54 inches (LxWxH)
- Weight: 18.96 lbs/ 8.6 kg
If you want a more affordable travel crib alternative, check out this Graco Playard.
This also has a lot of mentions and recommendations from parents who don’t want to splurge but still want a safe and comfortable sleeping space for their kids.
It has a small storage space for small baby essentials or toys, it has wheels so you can easily move them from room to room.
And it even comes with a carrying case!
It’s not as light as the Guava Lotus and Baby Bjorn though.
And it’s not as seamless and quick to assemble and disassemble as the other 2 travel cribs.
But it’s still portable enough to bring on weekend getaways, car trips, or visits to the grandparents.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- Has a small space
- Includes wheels
Cons
- Not as lightweight
- Not as quick to set up
- Tricky to check-in as carry-on
Related Article: Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Pack n Play
Bugaboo Stardust Playard
- Weight: 14.8 lbs
- Dimensions: (LxWxH): 25 x 38.8 x 33.5 in
The Bugaboo Stardust Playard is another popular travel crib amongst parents.
This has probably the easiest travel crib to assemble, compared to the others, with its easy 1-second unfold feature.
You literally just snap it open and boom, just add in the mattress and it’s ready for your baby!
It’s also easy to fold and disassemble. It’ll take only a few minutes and 3 easy steps and it will fold flat and nice and easy!
It’s just the perfect size to put in the trunk but it can be hard to find a large luggage for it, so you can check it in with you on flights.
Nevertheless, it’s lightweight, it comes with a zip-in bassinet and a carry bag, so you can’t go wrong with choosing the Bugaboo Stardust Playard!
Pros
- Super easy to set up and fold
- Comes with a zip-in bassinet
- Includes carry bag
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Tricky to check-in as carry-on
Chicco Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard
- Weight: 12.5 lbs/ 5.7 kg
- Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches (LxWxH)
The Chicco Alfa Lite® Lightweight Travel Playard is also a perfect solution for parents who love to travel and explore.
It’s super easy to set up and fold down, you can literally do it in seconds!
Plus, it comes with a zippered carry bag, so you can easily store it when not in use.
The Chicco Alfa Lite has a zip-open side panel, which provides easy access for younger babies or toddlers to enter and exit the playard.
It’s also a GREENGUARD Gold-certified playard, which means it has low chemical emissions, making it non-toxic for your baby.
You can also chuck in the entire crib fabric in the washing machine, making cleaning a breeze!
It can be tricky to bring on flights as it’s quite big to fit in a luggage.
But overall, parents love how lightweight, convenient, and easy to assemble the Chicco Alfa Lite is, not to mention, it’s very affordable!
Pros
- Affordable
- Super easy to set up and fold
- Includes carry bag
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not plane-friendly
How To Choose the Best Travel Cribs
Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best travel crib:
- Consider the weight and size
Look for cribs that are easy to carry and fit in your trunk or luggage. Or ideally, look for something that can be checked in as a carry-on!
- Check the setup process
You want a travel crib that’s easy to set up, preferably with no tools required. Check for user reviews that mention the setup process and see if it’s something that would work for you.
- Look for safety features
Make sure the crib meets safety standards and has features like safety certifications, sturdy frames, secure locks, and breathable materials.
- Check the mattress
Look for a travel crib with a flat and safe mattress. Ideally, it should come with a mattress sheet. Some cribs come with an additional cushion, while others have a built-in mattress.
- Consider the versatility
Some travel cribs can double as a playpen or changing station, so consider your needs when choosing a crib.
- Budget
Travel cribs can range in price, so consider your budget when choosing one. But remember, safety and comfort should always come first.
- Read reviews
Look for reviews from other parents who have used the travel cribs you’re considering. They can offer valuable insights into the pros and cons of each crib.
Best Travel Cribs: Takeaway
And there you have it – the best travel cribs and playards on the market!
Whether you’re planning a road trip or flying overseas, these cribs and playards will ensure your little one has a comfortable and safe place to sleep while away from home. Happy travels! 🙂
If you find this “best travel cribs” article helpful, then make sure to check out these guides on the:
- Travel Crib vs Pack N Play
- Baby Bjorn Travel Crib vs Lotus
- Best Crib Alternatives For Small Spaces
- 6 Safer DockATot Alternatives (That’ll Give You More Bang For Your Buck!)
