Travel cribs can be a lifesaver for quick overnights to Grandma’s house or when you travel to a new destination.
But you’re going to want to find a travel crib that’s light, easy to set up and take down, and grows with your baby.
We’ve spent a great deal of time comparing all the top brands to find the best travel cribs to help your baby sleep and play safely when away from home. These nine options are lightweight and easy to use and will help your little one transition smoothly when you’re on the go.
- Backpack-style carrying case
- Machine-washable mesh
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Easy to set up and take down
- Safety feature attaches mattress to frame
- Machine washable removable cover
- One-click folding design
- Ultra-breathable mesh panel
- Made with toxin-free materials
- No-fuss setup and takedown
- Sturdy and durable
- Attaches mattress to base
- Super light and compact
- Minimal setup
- Offers UV protection
- Two wheels for easy moving
- Attaches mattress to base
- Offers a 2-year warranty
- Cost efficient
- Allows for room-to-room mobility
- Rounded corners for added safety
- Rolls up like a yoga mat
- Includes inflatable mattress and sheets
- Certified fabrics gentle on skin
- Compact fold
- Convertible and cozy
- Canopy with toys
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of finding the perfect travel crib for your little one. Our team of experts has conducted a thorough analysis, comparing and ranking various travel cribs based on hands-on experience, performance, and design. We’ve assessed each product using a comprehensive set of criteria, including safety, portability, ease of use, and comfort. Our research and reviews are backed by factual data and real-life user experiences, ensuring you make an informed decision. We’ve evaluated key factors like weight, dimensions, and materials, providing you with a clear understanding of what sets each travel crib apart from its competitors. Trust Mom Loves Best to guide you through the process of choosing the best travel crib for your family’s needs.
The Best Travel Crib Reviews of 2024
Here are our favorite travel cribs on the market.
Lotus Travel Crib
Best Non-Toxic Travel Crib
The Lotus Travel Crib is made with non-toxic materials and is the only travel crib to receive a GreenGuard Gold Safety Certification (1).
We love this handy, lightweight model. Weighing in at only 13 pounds, it makes traveling through airports or to destinations a breeze.
Our favorite Lotus feature is its backpack-style carrier. This crib is sleek and compact — and you can keep your hands free by wearing it instead of carrying it.
The zippered mesh panel on one side is a nice option for your baby to crawl in and out of during playtime, and it allows you access for snuggling or nursing your baby to sleep.
The Lotus is recommended from birth to age three or older and is a solid choice that will be useful to your family for a long time.
Pros
- Backpack-style carrying case.
- Machine-washable mesh.
- Made with non-toxic materials.
- Zippered mesh opens completely on one side.
Cons
- Bassinet feature requires additional purchase.
- Some parents found the mattress too thin.
Our Ratings
User Experience
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Best Travel Crib for Toddlers
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is a fan favorite among parents and an excellent choice for toddlers on the go because it is spacious and sturdy. We like that the sides are high enough to contain a climbing toddler.
With no extra pieces, this model is simple to set up and take down and folds neatly into a briefcase-sized carrying bag with handles for easy travel.
It is smartly designed so the mattress protects the frame during travel. We also found it sturdy enough to be checked luggage while also compact enough to fit into an overhead compartment when flying.
All materials are toxin- and allergen-free, and the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light adheres to the highest safety standards. At 13 pounds, it is light enough not to weigh you down when you are on the go and makes the perfect getaway companion.
Pros
- Parents love how easy it is to set up and take down.
- Safety feature attaches mattress to frame.
- The removable cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.
Cons
- More expensive than similar models.
- It doesn’t come with sheets, and they are more costly than most other brands.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Baby Joy Portable Crib
Best Easy to Set Up Travel Crib
When searching for travel cribs, one of our top considerations is the ease of assembly. Traveling alone with an infant is stressful enough. We don’t want to deal with a crib that takes hours to set up. The ultra-lightweight Baby Joy crib is ideal for bringing on flights. At 10 pounds, it hardly weighs more than a baby.
This full-sized crib offers mesh sides and a thick, foam mattress and soft sheet to keep your baby as snug as a bug. Furthermore, the materials are ASTM non-toxic certified.
The unique zippered mesh side is a really nice feature, as you can open it completely for playtime or for parenting or nursing your baby to sleep.
Pros
- Ultra-breathable mesh panel.
- Includes a mattress and cover.
- One-click folding design.
- Made with toxin-free materials.
Cons
- Other parents suggested that the carrying case could be improved into a backpack style.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
4Moms Breeze Go Travel Crib
Easiest to Use
The one-step system on the 4Moms Breeze Go Travel Crib makes it super easy to set up and take down.
We like that there are no additional pieces to attach (or lose), making setup a simple process of pushing on the center until it clicks. Unlike some other models, it has a free-standing, easy-open frame that does not require any wrestling.
It does take a few additional minutes to attach the mattress to the base with the Velcro straps, but it is an important safety feature you won’t want to skip.
Takedown is just as simple. Remove the mattress, and pull up on the center pull-strap to unlock and fold it in one fluid motion.
4Moms has another model, the Breeze Plus, which is larger and offers more features. It may be a good option for your family, especially if you have an older toddler. Of course, it is heavier and more expensive, so there is a bit of a trade-off if you choose that option.
Pros
- No-fuss setup and takedown.
- Sturdy, durable unit.
- Safety feature attaches mattress to base.
Cons
- The mattress is quite hard.
- Heavier model, weighing 23.2 pounds.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
KidCo Peapod Camp Travel Bed
Best Travel Crib for Camping
The KidCo Peapod Travel Bed is very light and easy to pack. Weighing less than four pounds, it folds up to a portable size for travel. Its compact size makes it another great option for airplane travel.
It requires no assembly, which can be a major plus if you are tasked with setting up camp after dark. We like that it instantly springs open and lays flat on the ground. The zippered mesh completely encloses your baby, protecting them from mosquito bites and other insects.
A cushy, removable pad attaches to the bottom outside of the crib to keep your baby comfortable. This important safety feature alleviates the danger of a gap between the mattress and crib wall.
While smaller than a full-sized travel crib, the KidCo Peapod still offers enough room to comfortably house an average six-year-old, which means it will last your family for many camping trips.
KidCo also offers the Peapod Plus, a smaller version that is built to sleep an average five-year-old comfortably. This can be a great option for camping or traveling.
Safety Tip
Pros
- Super light and compact.
- Minimal setup.
- Perfect for outdoor use.
- Offers UV protection.
- Will not damage a tent floor.
Cons
- May not be best for backpacking option as it runs a bit big.
- It doesn’t double as a play yard unless your baby is quite small.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Joovy New Room2
Best Travel Crib for Twins
The Joovy New Room 2 is one of the largest portable cribs on the market, with 50% more space than traditional play yards. The heavy-duty, padded mattress and cotton crib sheet are included and are spacious enough for two little nappers.
When used in conjunction with the Joovy Room2 Twin Nursery Center, which is sold separately, it creates a nice safe nursery setup for twins when you are out of town. It would also make an ideal nap and diaper station to keep in your main living area. The divider, which comes with the purchased Nursery Center, separates the babies and provides the safest option for your twins to sleep in the same crib.
The Twin Nursery Center’s divided bassinet provides space for two young babies, and the changing table offers a convenient place to change diapers. The changing table flips out of the way when not in use but stays attached so it can easily transition back into place when needed.
Pros
- Large enough for twins with ten square feet of sleeping space.
- Two wheels for easy moving.
- Safety feature attaches mattress to base with Velcro.
- Joovy offers a two-year warranty, twice as long as other leading brands.
- Option to purchase the Twin Nursery Center available for added sleeping safety.
Cons
- Heavier than most, weighing 29 pounds.
- Larger when folded than other leading brands.
- Setup and takedown can be challenging.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Dream On Me Nest Portable Playard
Best Inexpensive Travel Crib
To get the biggest bang for your buck, check out the Dream On Me playard. It offers many great features that are especially useful to have for young babies.
The award-winning full-size playard is easy to install and makes a cozy place for small babies to nap and play. Despite its low price point, it does not compromise safety as it is CPSC and ASTM compliant.
Because this comes on the bigger side, it would require a bit of an area. However, the good thing is that the baby tends to outgrow it rather slowly. Older babies and small toddlers will have a safe place to play or sleep in the larger base area, making the crib useful for some time. We like that the sturdy removable mattress pad is included with your purchase.
The playard is a breeze to fold making it easier to transport.
Pros
- Cost-efficient.
- Strong yet lightweight aluminum frame for room-to-room mobility.
- Rounded corners for added safety.
Cons
- The changing pad looks less durable.
- No wheels for easy transport.
- Full-sized, so it requires a bigger area.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Phil & Ted’s Traveller Crib
Best Backpack Travel Crib
As a parent, it’s still important to experience the world and go on adventures. But you may need some new gadgets and products to make the experience easier. That’s why we recommend the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
This crib is a backpack option — so you can fold it up and wear it on your back. Weighing only six pounds, it’s compact, light, and easy to wear even when trekking to your camping spot for the night.
The crib comes with an inflatable mattress and sheets. Just keep in mind it takes a bit of time to set up and can be rather tricky.
The crib uses Okeo-Tex certified fabrics that are gentle on your baby’s skin. It’s perfect for use indoors and outdoors. It has an opening on the side so your baby can crawl in and out when they please. But you can also zip it closed for more security, especially during the night or at nap time.
The mesh is darkened to allow for some shade — especially when using it outside.
Pros
- Rolls up like a yoga mat for easy transportation.
- Side opens for more freedom.
- Darkened mesh offers shade.
- Certified fabrics are gentle on the skin.
Cons
- It’s quite small, so it’s best for babies less than two years old.
- It takes some time to assemble.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Graco Travel Lite Crib
Most Lightweight
Parents love the airy mesh sides and quilted mattress of the Graco Travel Lite. This is definitely an on-the-go crib because it weighs less than 20 pounds!
The integrated wheels make it easy to transfer from one place to another.
We are so impressed with Graco’s signature push-button fold. It takes only a few seconds to collapse, and you don’t have to wrestle with individual frame legs or disassemble any loose pieces.
The Graco Travel Lite Crib is recommended for newborns to toddlers up to 30 pounds and 35 inches, making this a product that will grow well with your little one.
And did we mention that it’s JPMA certified? Absolutely!
Pros
- Lightweight and travel-friendly.
- Economical.
- Grows with your child.
Cons
- Strong smell upon unboxing.
- Sheets can be hard to find.
Our Ratings
User Experience
What is a Travel Crib?
A travel crib is a lightweight, compact, foldable crib that provides a safe and comfortable place for your baby or toddler to snooze while you are away from home.
Travel cribs also double as play yard where your baby can play in a safe, contained area. Most can be used from birth until 2 to 3 years of age.
They typically offer see-through mesh sides that provide ventilation and allow for visibility so parents can keep an eye on their little ones. They are easy to fold and ready to stash in their accompanying carrying bag for convenient transportation.
Pro Tip
How to Choose the Best Travel Crib
Of course, everyone has needs and preferences specific to themselves and their own family, but when researching which travel crib is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Is weight important to us? Do we need an ultra-lightweight model?
- Is this model easy to set up and take down?
- Would it work well for my child’s age and size?
- Do I want one with extra accessories like a bassinet or a changing table?
- Would I like it to come with a mattress and sheet?
- Is it easy to care for and keep clean?
- Does it come with a warranty?
Travel Crib Safety Tips
While all the cribs listed here meet US Safety Standards, it is still important to consider safety when choosing a travel crib. Some things to consider include checking for space between the crib and the mattress, reviewing closures like Velcro or snaps that keep the mattress in place, and considering whether it is made with toxin-free materials.
Safety Tips:
- Do not use travel cribs with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, additional bedding, bumpers, or positioning wedges.
- Only use the sheets intended for your specific crib model.
- Always place it directly on the floor — never on a bed, table, or unstable surface.
- Place it away from window blind cords and electrical cords.
- Mesh should only contain holes that measure ¼ inch or smaller (smaller than the snap on a baby’s onesie).
- Discontinue use once your child is old enough to climb out of the crib (2).
Travel Cribs FAQs
Are Travel Cribs Worth It?
Absolutely, especially if you’re a family on the go. They’re the portable palaces where little royalty can nap in peace.
What Is the Standard Size for a Travel Crib?
While there’s variation, most measure around 24 x 48 inches. Compact enough for travel yet spacious enough for a restful slumber party for one.
What Is the Most Comfortable Mattress In a Travel Crib?
Look for one that’s firm but with a touch of padding. Brands like Lotus and Baby Bjorn have travel cribs known for comfort.
What Is the Difference Between a Travel Crib and a Pack ‘n Play?
Travel cribs are typically lighter and more compact, focusing on portability. Pack ‘n Plays, while portable, often comes with extra features like changing stations.
Is There a Weight Limit for a Travel Crib?
Yes, usually around 20-30 pounds, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Trust me; you don’t want a surprise crib collapse in the middle of a vacation.
Until What Age Do You Use a Travel Crib?
Until around age two or three, or when your child can climb out. After that, you might consider a portable toddler bed or just sharing your hotel king-size.
Which One Will It Be?
The Lotus Travel Crib is our top pick as the best travel crib. It is a fan favorite of parents, and its light weight of 13 pounds makes it a versatile choice, great for traveling by airplane or car.
With a high standard of non-toxic, child-safe building materials and a reputation for quality and durability, it makes an excellent choice for most families. And we really love the backpack-style carrier!
