Parent Approved: The 6 best travel bassinets from The 2 Idiots Travel Blog

Parent-Approved: The 6 Best Portable Beds And Travel Cribs for Toddlers [ 2023 ]

Traveling with a toddler for months on end meant we seriously researched portable beds and travel cribs to keep Aarav safe and sound as he slept in various hotels and Airbnbs. Our choice was the Lotus Guava, which you can read all about in our best travel crib recommendation, but there were some runner ups that may be the right fit for you. All of the following travel cribs are lightweight, pack up and travel well, and are relatively easy to set up. Most, however, are not made for babies under a year old; for that, you’ll want to review our list of best travel bassinets and baby beds.

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Here’s how we rate the cribs on our list

  • Crib weight: A travel crib needs to be light. We give a 5 to the lightest of the cribs to carry and the heavier they become, the lower the rating.
  • Child height/weight limit: The cribs here are mostly for ages 1 to 3 years. Those listed that accommodate 36 month olds with ease receive a higher score.
  • Ease of setup: The last thing you want to do when you arrive at a hotel with a tired child is spend time setting up a crib. The easier the crib is to set up, the higher the rating.
  • Durability: We looked for the safest cribs, so all are pretty aligned. The slight differences in ranking are based on sturdiness.
  • Value for money: When we add up all of our criteria and combine it with the price, we give higher ratings to those who offer the most, for the least.

Best Portable Beds And Travel Cribs Comparison Table

ImageBrandDetails
BEST OVERALL
Guava FamilyCheck price
PREMIUM PICK
BabyBjörnCheck price
BEST VALUE
MilliardCheck price
Dream On MeCheck price
HuiXinCheck price
4momsCheck price

1. Lotus Guava Travel Crib

BEST OVERALL
Highlighted Features
  • Airport travel friendly, in that it is designed to be convenient for air travel.
  • Certified as safe and non-toxic, and is the only play-yard with the Green Guard Gold non-toxic certification. This means that it has no lead, phthalates, or heavy metals.
  • Comes with a compact, light backpack carrying case for enhanced portability
  • Full-height mesh that guarantees breathability and airflow.
  • Discreet side zipper door that can be zipped without waking the baby
  • Easier on your back, and when it’s time to play & crawl, more fun!
  • Appropriate for overnight sleeping
  • Its dimensions are 24 by 7 by 11 inches in length, width and height respectively, when folded to a backpack
  • Can be used by babies and toddlers
  • Measures 42 by 32 by 25 inches in length, width and height respectively when setup as a Crib
  • Updated thick padding
  • Soft foam with a friendly texture that is approved for newborns or infants

Our favorite crib for travel went along with us for our 9-month around-the-world journey — and is still holding up well! Not only does it pack up into a backpack carrying case that weighs just 11 pounds — saving us on extra baggage fees — the mesh-lined crib has a zipper side that allows you to snuggle or nurse your child in bed. The set includes a mattress and is so easy you won’t need to follow the instructions to figure it out. We love the height, knowing Aarav couldn’t climb out if he awoke in the night.

Parents rave about it, as well: 84 percent of Amazon reviewers give it a 5-star rating, noting it is great for traveling and is versatile, durable, easy to assemble and is made of good quality. All of which add up to the $210 price tag.

The only complaint? The mattress is all the way to the floor and is difficult to bend into place or lift a sleeping child. “The height is awkward. Laying her in from above, like I would usually do, is virtually impossible at this height as compared with a Pack ‘N Play, which is above the ground,” said one parent.

Pros
  • Suitable for playing, crawling or sleeping
  • Comes with two Year Warranty and excellent customer service.
  • Comfortable mattress for perfect sleep and play
  • Portable and convertible from a crib to backpack and vice versa
  • Green Guard Gold non-toxic certified and made without PVC, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and flame retardants.
Cons
  • Baby sheets are not included in the package
  • The height makes it difficult to bend over the side and lay a baby who is asleep

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 5 out of 5
Child height/weight limit: 4 out of 5
Ease of setup: 4 out of 5
Durability: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5

2. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

PREMIUM PICK
Highlighted Features
  • Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around or pack into a car
  • The edges around the top rail are padded to enhance comfort when leaning over to pick or soothe the baby.
  • Once it is assembled, the crib is very stable and doesn’t wobble
  • The mattress is soft and firm
  • Still safe for the baby when they begin standing, because they offer support
  • The fabric mesh placed on the sides is breathable, making it easy to observe the baby from any angle around the crib
  • It takes less than a minute to open it up and fold it back down
  • The mattress rests on the base firmly, and the frame has a wide base

BABYBJORN knows how to create kid-friendly products that are easy to use, comfortable to carry and looks stylish. This portable bed is no exception. When folded into its carrying case, this crib is sleek and slim, and weighs just 13 pounds. The name and the fashionable design means this is the priciest of cribs on our list, at nearly $300. Similar to the Lotus Guava in appearance, ease of setup and even the negative of having to bend down deep to reach your child (it’s just not an easy thing for many parents), this crib best accommodates toddlers up to age 3.

The Lotus has a higher 5-star rating than this crib, which this crib has 79 percent of reviewers loving. One mom couldn’t decide between the two cribs, but ultimately chose the Bjorn, saying: “The Bjorn is the clear winner for you if: 1. Your baby will be doing a lot of sleeping in the crib, as the mattress is definitely thicker and more plush than the Guava.”

Pros
  • Comfortable and light
  • Safe and secure for both the baby and parent
  • Keen on breathability of materials used
  • Easy to assemble and dismantle
  • Helps babies learn how to stand without toppling
  • Great design aesthetic
Cons
  • Placing and picking up a baby can be difficult due to the low-positioned mattress

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 4 out of 5
Child height/weight limit: 4 out of 5
Ease of setup: 4 out of 5
Durability: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 3 out of 5

3. Milliard Portable Toddler Bumper Bed

BEST VALUE
Highlighted Features
  • The bed measures 25 by 14.5 by 27 inches in length, width and height respectively when folded, and 55 by 26 by 7 inches in length, width and height when open.
  • The bumpers are 7 inches high on the outside, and 4.5 inches high on the inside.
  • Comes with a bonus washable fitted sheet for extra convenience when cleaning
    Acts as a suitcase when folded
  • Soft-textured bumper and mattress of dimensions 48 by 20 inches in length and width respectively
  • Machine washable mattress cover
  • Furnished using woven fabric to create an attractive and baby friendly sleep environment
  • Portable and travelling- friendly
  • The outer canvas material is durable and can be cleaned by just wiping
  • Spacious enough to conveniently store some items inside.
  • Waterproof and washable inner plush velour material

This toddler-sized bed is the easiest to set up: Just unfold and you have a bed. We love that it can be carried with its handle and weighs less than 11 pounds, but it can be a bit bulky to carry with other suitcases and gear. Then again, there is room within the folded bed to serve as a suitcase, holding your child’s bedtime books, stuffed animals and PJs, along with bedding. Milliard provides sheets with purchase, and the bed is easy to clean. However, if you have a young toddler who crawls a lot and likes to get out of bed, this bumper bed won’t contain him or her. We like it best for older toddlers and young children — the mattress is 48 inches long, so can easily accommodate them. Another plus? The $99 price.

Seventy-nine percent of reviewers give this bumper bed a 5-star review. One mother wrote, “We love this bed! IF I could give it an extra star to make it 6 STARS, I would! The bed itself takes a little room to store, but we can contain the toddler sized pillow and his blankets/stuffed animals inside of it when it closes. It really doesn’t take up much more room than a Pack ‘N Play.”

Pros
  • Portable and convenient to carry around
  • Easy to clean, dry and maintain
  • Long lasting cover made of canvas
  • Versatile and multipurpose
  • Comes in attractive patterns and designs
Cons
  • Not spill and water proof, which makes it prone to soaking wet
  • Takes up a lot of space from the mattress

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 5 out of 5
Child height/weight limit:5 out of 5
Ease of setup: 5 out of 5
Durability: 3 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5

4. Dream On Me Travel Light PlayYard

Highlighted Features
  • The mattress comes with an in- built base plate to keep the frame firm on the floor, and ensure that the child sleeps securely.
  • Both the material and mesh used in making the Play yard are free from harmful allergenic.
  • The travel light play yard is made using a soft and comfortable mattress pad
  • The sides are made using a soft and airy mesh fabric to allow air circulation so that the baby is able to breathe through the fabric.
  • The mattress cover is breathable and laboratory tested for air or water vapor permeability
  • The transparent mesh fabric makes it possible to keep an eye on the baby and also allows the baby to see the surrounding
  • The mattress comes with a 30 day warranty

Very airy with a full mesh enclosure, the Dream On Me folds up easily into a Bjorn-like carrying case (see below), but at far less the price. Selling for $90, the crib weighs less than 13 pounds, offers a thick mattress which locks into place, and is nearly 4 feet long for kids. It’s also easy to set up. There are hardly any negatives about this crib, although one mom’s 18 month old could tip it over.

Still, another parent took the crib on a 3-month trip through Europe. “It takes less about 45 seconds to set up; it’s comfy for the baby; it’s extremely durable (ours still looks brand new); and it’s essentially the same dimensions and weight as the Bjorn, but a quarter of the price.”

Pros
  • Light and portable
  • Breathable for enhanced air circulation
  • Transparent for easy observing of the baby
  • Free from harmful allergenic
  • Secure because it comes with an in-built base plate for the mattress
Cons
  • Not easy to put up and take down
  • Mesh fabric cannot be zipped off when cleaning

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 4 out of 5
Child height/weight limit: 4 out of 5
Ease of setup: 4 out of 5
Durability: 3 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5

5. HuiXin Foldable Travel Crib | Convertible Travel Crib and Bassinet

Highlighted Features
  • Weighs less than 12 lbs.
  • Designed to fit small spaces
  • Convenient side-zip
  • Travel crib and bassinet convertible

Definitely a product that deserves your consideration, this convertible piece of baby furniture is constructed to be set up for small spaces or taken wherever you may go.

We’re confident that it’s built to last and see through your baby until he or she can no longer be confined to a crib. It may well still be in great condition in time for your next little one. You can rest assured they will always be comfortable inside it. The airy design includes a mesh fabric and soft edges.

Pros
  • It’s super lightweight and easy to carry on your luggage or squeeze at the back of a truck.
  • You can stay flexible, play and cuddle with your child through the side-zip
  • It’s so easy to clean up and maintenance is as easy as a tumble.
  • An easy-to-clean sheet and mattress come with the crib.
Cons
  • It may not be the best choice for tighter budgets but then it’s built to last.
  • There’s a small learning curve when taking the crib apart.

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 5 out of 5
Child height/weight limit: 2 out of 5
Ease of setup: 2 out of 5
Durability: 3 out of 5
Value for money: 3 out of 5

6. Flisko Convertible Travel Crib and Bassinet

Highlighted Features
  • Portable, convertible crib and bassinet
  • Comes with a mattress and fitted sheet
  • Ultra-lightweight, it weighs only 15.5 lbs.
  • Product dimensions: 28″L x 43″W x 28″H

Need a bassinet now and a crib later? No problem! This product lets you have both so you can keep adjusting to your baby’s needs as he or she grows.

Trust me, babies grow up so fast and the last thing you’d want to do is to spend on baby furniture that’ll only last for a few months. On the contrary, this crib is designed to stay useful in keeping your baby safe and entertained for up to 3 years.

Pros
  • Made with durable materials, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Side opening allows mum and dad to play with the baby with ease.
  • Sturdy corners and overall support keep your baby safe.
  • It comes with a fitted sheet and mattress — no need to buy separately.
  • Each purchase comes with a carry bag so you can take it with you on the go.
Cons
  • This crib is only recommended for children up to 28 inches in height.

Our ratings:

Crib weight: 1 out of 5
Child height/weight limit: 3 out of 5
Ease of setup: 5 out of 5
Durability: 3 out of 5
Value for money: 2 out of 5

Best Portable Beds And Travel Cribs Buyer Guide

Here are pointers to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a portable bed or travel crib for your toddler. Considering that we are living in an era of varieties and flooded markets, a buyer guide will come in handy when it comes to limiting the options and narrowing down to a quality product.

Pricing

Always ensure you come up with a budget of how much you wish to spend. Having a budget helps you to make purchases that are reasonable and of good quality

Weight

It is essential to consider the weight of the bed or crib when buying because handling a bulky one can be quite frustrating. Factors that contribute to the lightness or heaviness include the top material and the supporting metals used. The carrier bag should also be light and compact to enhance portability.

Warranty period

It is advisable to purchase a portable bed or crib that offers a reasonably long warranty period and customer services. Such a product gives confidence to the customer and ensures that companies manufacture products that are in good condition.

Safety regulated

The safety and security of your baby are what should be put first by any parent or caregiver. When scouting for a portable bed or travel crib, always make sure that it complies with all safety precautions as required by your regulator. Also, ensure that the material is well stitched and the supportive metals are firm.

Transparent top cover

Ensure that the material used at the top of your toddler’s bed or crib is transparent or see-through so that you can easily monitor your baby while going about your activities. The see-through material also helps the baby observe the surrounding and familiarize with it.

FAQs

Q: What is the importance of purchasing a foldable bed or crib for travel?

A: Purchasing a foldable bed or crib is important because it makes it so much easier to travel. If you can find a crib (such as the Lotus Guava) that you can take on the plane as well, it can make travel even easier and save on extra baggage fees!

Q: What’s the appropriate age for a baby to sleep in a pack n play or travel crib?

A: Read through the product description carefully to find out the recommended size and ages and make sure your baby size and age fit well within it. Typically, all travel cribs work for infants and go well into their toddler years.

Q: Can I use my travel bed at home prior to or after travel?

A: Absolutely! All travel beds that we recommend could be used at home as well. We also recommend that you prepare your child prior to any travel so they sleep well in a travel crib when you are on your journey. That could include having a conversation with your child about upcoming travel and/or having them sleep in the travel crib prior to travel.

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best baby cribs
best baby cribs
4 years ago

thank you for the advice

baby playpen
baby playpen
4 years ago

It is a good idea to buy something like this for kids. Playing in the playpen can give kids good time. I will check for my kids later.

Delta Flights Tickets
Delta Flights Tickets
4 years ago

Thanks for sharing such great information. Your blogs have been really well organized and informative. Waiting for your next post.

Sarah
Sarah
4 years ago

What a great knowledge! Thank you for sharing.