Traveling with a baby is an adventure, but sleeping away from home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you are heading to Grandma’s house or jet-setting to a new destination, a safe sleep spot is non-negotiable.
You need a travel crib that is light enough to carry without breaking your back, easy to assemble with one hand, and comfortable enough to ensure everyone gets some rest.
We spent hours comparing top brands to find the best travel cribs for safety, sleep, and play. These nine picks are lightweight, user-friendly, and ready to help your little one transition smoothly wherever your journey takes you.
- 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
What Is a Travel Crib?
A travel crib is a lightweight, compact version of a standard crib designed for portability. It provides a safe, contained space for your baby or toddler to sleep while you are on the road.
Beyond sleep, travel cribs double as play yards to keep your little one secure in a hotel room or at a park. Most models are suitable from birth up to 3 years old.
These cribs typically feature breathable mesh sides for ventilation and visibility. The best part? They fold down into compact carrying bags, making them much easier to lug around airports or pack into a trunk than a traditional playpen.
Pro Tip
How to Choose
Every family travels differently. Before you click buy, ask yourself these questions to find your perfect match:
- Portability: Is weight the biggest factor? Do you need an ultra-light model for flights, or is a heavier model okay for car trips?
- Assembly: Is it easy to set up? You do not want to wrestle with complex poles when you arrive late at night.
- Size restrictions: Does it fit your child’s age and height?
- Features: Do you need extras like a bassinet insert or a changing table attachment?
- Comfort: Does it include a comfortable mattress and sheet, or is the padding too thin?
- Maintenance: Is the fabric machine washable? Spills and accidents are inevitable.
- Longevity: Does it come with a warranty to protect your investment?
Product Reviews
We tested and reviewed the top-rated portable cribs to help you find the right fit for your next trip.
Lotus Travel Crib
Best Non-Toxic Travel Crib
The Lotus Travel Crib is a standout for health-conscious parents. It is made with non-toxic materials and holds a GreenGuard Gold Safety Certification, ensuring low chemical emissions (1).
We love how travel-friendly this model is. Weighing in at just 13 pounds, it packs down into a backpack-style case. This leaves your hands free to pull suitcases, push a stroller, or hold your baby while navigating the airport.
One of our favorite features is the quiet side zipper. You can unzip the mesh panel to let your toddler crawl in and out during playtime, turning the crib into a fun fort. It also allows you to lie next to the crib to nurse or soothe your baby to sleep without leaning uncomfortably over the top rail.
Recommended from birth to age three (or until your child can climb out), the Lotus is a durable investment for frequent travelers.
Pros
- Hands-free transport: Comes with a backpack-style carrying case.
- Easy cleaning: The mesh cover is machine washable.
- Safe materials: Certified non-toxic and GreenGuard Gold approved.
- Side access: Zippered door allows for floor-level parenting and play.
Cons
- Bassinet sold separately: You have to pay extra for the newborn kit.
- Thin padding: Some parents feel the mattress is not plush enough for older toddlers.
Our Ratings
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
Best Travel Crib for Toddlers
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is a parent favorite for a reason. It is spacious, sturdy, and boasts deep sides that help contain adventurous toddlers who might try to climb out.
Simplicity is key here. There are no loose parts to attach. You simply unfold the frame, and the legs snap into place. When it is time to go, it folds neatly into a briefcase-sized bag.
The design is clever; the mattress wraps around the frame inside the bag to create a protective buffer during transport. At 13 pounds, it is manageable for flights and road trips alike. Plus, BabyBjörn ensures all materials are free from harmful substances and allergens.
Pros
- Fast assembly: Sets up in one movement with no loose parts.
- Stable design: The mattress attaches to the frame for safety.
- Hygiene friendly: The fabric cover removes easily for machine washing.
Cons
- Pricey: It costs significantly more than budget models.
- Accessories not included: Fitted sheets must be purchased separately and are expensive.
Our Ratings
Baby Joy Portable Crib
Best Easy to Set Up Travel Crib
Traveling solo with an infant is stressful, so you need gear that works instantly. The Baby Joy Portable Crib is an ultra-lightweight contender that won’t slow you down. At only 10 pounds, it is one of the lightest full-featured options on our list.
Despite the low weight, it doesn’t skimp on comfort. It features a relatively thick foam mattress and a soft sheet, helping your baby stay snug. The materials are ASTM certified non-toxic, giving you peace of mind regarding safety.
Like the Lotus, this crib features a zippered side door. This is fantastic for nursing your baby to sleep or giving them the freedom to crawl in and out during the day.
Pros
- Breathable: Features ultra-airy mesh panels.
- All-inclusive: Comes with a mattress and cover.
- Fast folding: Uses a simple one-click design.
- Safe: Made with toxin-free materials.
Cons
- Carrying case: Some parents wish the bag had backpack straps for easier carrying.
Our Ratings
4Moms Breeze Go Travel Crib
Easiest to Use
If you hate assembling furniture, the 4Moms Breeze Go is your dream crib. It features a true one-step setup system.
There are no legs to lock or top rails to straighten. You simply push down on the central hub, and the crib expands and locks automatically. It is a sturdy, free-standing unit that requires zero wrestling. The only manual step is securing the mattress to the base with Velcro straps, which is a vital safety step.
Taking it down is just as effortless. Remove the mattress, pull up on the center strap, and it collapses instantly.
If you need more features, 4Moms offers the Breeze Plus, which includes a bassinet and changer. However, for pure travel simplicity, the Breeze Go is the lighter, more streamlined choice.
Pros
- Instant assembly: Push-to-open technology is best-in-class.
- Robust frame: Feels very durable and stable.
- Secure sleeping: Mattress attaches firmly to the base.
Cons
- Firmness: The mattress is quite hard.
- Heavy: Weighing 23.2 pounds, it is not ideal for carrying long distances.
Our Ratings
KidCo Peapod Camp Travel Bed
Best Travel Crib for Camping
The KidCo Peapod operates more like a pop-up tent than a traditional crib, making it the ultimate choice for outdoor adventures. At less than four pounds, it fits into a bag small enough to toss in a carry-on or strapping to a hiking pack.
Assembly is instant. Remove the elastic band, and it springs open. Since it sits directly on the floor, you don’t have to worry about weight limits or wobbly legs. The zippered mesh keeps bugs out and provides UV protection, perfect for beach naps or camping trips.
The sleeping pad attaches to the bottom exterior of the floor, eliminating gaps inside the sleeping area. While compact, it is roomy enough for a toddler or small child up to age 3 or 4.
If you have a bigger kid, check out the Peapod Plus, which accommodates children up to five years old.
Safety Tip
Pros
- Featherweight: Extremely light and compact.
- Outdoor ready: Offers UV protection and insect proofing.
- Floor safe: Will not puncture or damage tent floors.
- Zero assembly: Pops open instantly.
Cons
- Large footprint: It is long, so it might not fit in tight hotel corners.
- Sleeping only: It is too low to act as a play yard for standing babies.
Our Ratings
Joovy New Room2
Best Travel Crib for Twins
If you have twins or just want maximum play space, the Joovy New Room2 is a beast. It offers nearly 50% more space than standard play yards, giving two babies plenty of room to sleep or play without colliding.
It includes a heavy-duty padded mattress and a cotton sheet. The real magic happens when you pair it with the Joovy Room2 Twin Nursery Center (sold separately). This add-on creates a dual bassinet and changing station, making it a complete travel nursery for twins.
The integrated wheels help you move this large unit around the room, but be warned: it is heavy. This is a “throw it in the trunk” crib, not an airport carry-on.
Pros
- Massive space: Ten square feet of sleeping/playing area.
- Mobile: Includes two wheels for repositioning.
- Twin ready: Compatible with the Twin Nursery Center add-on.
- Great warranty: Joovy offers a two-year warranty.
Cons
- Heavy: Weighs 29 pounds, making it a workout to carry.
- Bulky: Takes up significant trunk space even when folded.
- Tricky buttons: Some parents find the folding mechanism stiff.
Our Ratings
Dream On Me Nest Portable Playard
Best Inexpensive Travel Crib
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a safe travel bed. The Dream On Me Nest delivers solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
This full-size playard is CPSC and ASTM compliant, so you aren’t compromising on safety. It sets up quickly and provides a secure spot for napping or independent play. Since it is full-sized, it has a larger footprint than some of the premium travel cribs, but that also means your baby won’t outgrow it quickly.
We appreciate that it comes with a sturdy mattress pad included. It folds down into a tote bag for transport, making it a great value pick for occasional trips to relatives’ houses.
Pros
- Affordable: Great features for the price.
- Light frame: Aluminum construction keeps it relatively portable.
- Safety first: Rounded corners prevent bumps and bruises.
Cons
- Changing pad: The changing attachment feels a bit flimsy.
- Stationary: No wheels, so you have to drag or lift it to move it.
- Big footprint: Requires more floor space than compact travel models.
Our Ratings
Phil & Ted’s Traveller Crib
Best Backpack Travel Crib
If your travels involve hiking, camping, or serious luggage restrictions, the Phil & Ted’s Traveller is a top contender. It is lighter than almost anything else on the market, weighing in at an incredible six pounds.
This crib is truly designed for the adventurous parent. It packs down into a compact bag that is smaller than most yoga mats. The aluminum legs are strong but featherlight, and the mesh sides provide full ventilation.
It features a side-zip opening, allowing you to use it as a playpen or soothe your child to sleep easily. The materials are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they are free from nasty chemicals and safe for sensitive skin.
However, the trade-off for the light weight is the assembly. It requires threading poles through fabric, which takes longer than the “pop-open” style cribs.
Pros
- Ultra-compact: Rolls up incredibly small for transport.
- Lightweight: At 6 lbs, it is easy to carry anywhere.
- Outdoor friendly: Includes ground stakes for stability outside.
- Safe fabrics: Oeko-Tex certified materials.
Cons
- Size limit: It is narrower than standard cribs, so it fits smaller toddlers best.
- Slow setup: Requires more assembly time than other models.
Our Ratings
Graco Travel Lite Crib
Most Lightweight
The Graco Travel Lite is a fantastic hybrid between a bassinet and a travel crib. It is roughly 20% smaller than a traditional Graco Pack ‘n Play, making it perfect for small hotel rooms or bedside use.
We love the versatility. It features a bassinet stage for newborns and converts to a deeper crib as your baby grows. The integrated wheels let you glide it easily from the bedroom to the living room without waking the baby.
It utilizes Graco’s signature push-button fold, which is reliable and quick. Weighing under 20 pounds, it is manageable for car travel, though a bit bulkier than the premium backpack cribs. It is JPMA certified, ensuring it meets high safety standards.
Pros
- Space saver: Smaller footprint fits tight spaces.
- Versatile: Adjustable stages grow with your baby.
- Easy fold: Quick collapse mechanism.
Cons
- Chemical smell: May require airing out upon unboxing.
- Unique size: Finding fitted sheets that fit perfectly can be tricky.
Our Ratings
Travel Crib Safety Tips
All cribs listed here meet US Safety Standards, but how you use them matters just as much as the brand you buy. Always check for gaps between the mattress and the mesh, and ensure all locking mechanisms are secure before putting your baby down.
Key Safety Guidelines:
- Bare is best: Never use travel cribs with pillows, heavy blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers.
- Use the right sheets: Only use sheets specifically designed for your crib’s mattress dimensions. Loose sheets are a suffocation hazard.
- Stable ground: Place the crib on the floor. Never put it on a bed, table, or couch.
- Clear the area: Keep the crib away from window blind cords, drapes, and electrical outlets.
- Check the mesh: Holes should be ¼ inch or smaller (smaller than a clothing snap/button).
- Know when to stop: Stop using the crib when your child exceeds the height/weight limit or can climb out (2).
Travel Cribs FAQs
Are Travel Cribs Worth It?
Absolutely. If you travel more than once or twice a year, a dedicated travel crib is worth the investment. They are significantly lighter and faster to set up than standard portable play yards, saving you stress and baggage fees.
What Is the Standard Size for a Travel Crib?
There isn’t one universal size, but most travel cribs are slightly smaller than standard cribs. They generally measure around 24 x 40 to 48 inches. This compact footprint allows them to fit into hotel rooms and tents easily.
What Is the Most Comfortable Mattress In a Travel Crib?
Comfort is subjective, but look for a mattress that is firm (for safety) but has adequate foam density. The Lotus and BabyBjörn models are frequently praised by parents for having higher-quality, more comfortable mattresses than budget brands.
What Is the Difference Between a Travel Crib and a Pack ‘n Play?
The main difference is portability. Travel cribs are designed to be ultra-lightweight (often under 15 lbs) and fit into backpack-style cases for flights. Pack ‘n Plays are sturdier, heavier, and often come with extras like changers, making them better for road trips or Grandma’s house.
Is There a Weight Limit for a Travel Crib?
Yes, most travel cribs have a weight limit between 20 and 30 pounds, or a height limit around 35 inches. Always check your specific manual. Once your child hits the limit, it is time to switch to a toddler travel bed.
Until What Age Do You Use a Travel Crib?
Most children can use a travel crib from birth until about age three. However, the real cutoff is usually developmental: once your child is tall enough to climb out safely, you should stop using the crib immediately.
Can I Bring a Travel Crib on an Airplane?
Yes, most airlines allow you to check a travel crib for free as baby equipment. Compact models like the Lotus or Phil & Ted’s can often fit in the overhead bin as a carry-on, but always check your airline’s specific size policies first.
Which One Will It Be?
For most families, the Lotus Travel Crib takes the crown. It hits the sweet spot between portability and comfort. We love the backpack carrying case and the side-zip door that makes it fun for toddlers and easier on parents’ backs.
It is lightweight enough for air travel but sturdy enough for daily use. With non-toxic materials and a quick setup, it is a piece of gear you will actually be happy to use on vacation.
