Best Travel Cribs


Whether you’re jetting off to Europe for a summer vacay or hanging at grandma’s for the weekend, one thing doesn’t change: your little one will need a safe place to rest. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as the baby gear sherpa a tad easier.
Do you need a travel crib?
Many hotels and even some home rentals will supply a travel crib (essentially a playard with a thin sleeping pad). But if you’re staying with family, need an extra spot for your little one to snooze or simply feel better knowing your baby is in a safe sleep space that you’ve researched and okayed, then a travel crib is a great option.
Besides being a place to rest, travel cribs are also a safe place for your kiddo to play, especially when you’re away from home and dealing with a place that may not be babyproofed. (We’re looking at you, sharp table corners and exposed electrical sockets!) You can even use a travel crib as a napping spot on days spent at the beach or park.
Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.
How we chose our best picks
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best travel cribs.
Best Overall Travel Crib
Why We Love It
There are so many things to love about this sleek, modern travel crib, it’s tough to choose just one. There’s no comparison when it comes to the breathability factor of the SENA aire. The unique design allows air circulation from every angle, including the mesh sides, floor, and even the mattress, helping your baby sleep not only soundly but safely, too. Virtually every component of the crib can be tossed right into the washing machine—everything from the crib cover to the mattress itself. And as for setup, it couldn’t be easier. The SENA is a breeze to open and close; once it’s on its feet, you’re able to snap it into place with just one push. An organic crib sheet is included, and there’s even a changer accessory (sold separately) to make it a complete nursery on-the-go. The crib is a bit of an investment, but we think it’s worth every penny, especially if you’re planning on using it for multiple kiddos.
Keep in Mind
Looking for all of the same amazing features of this travel crib but in a more compact design? Check out the Nuna SENA aire mini Travel Crib, just right for small spaces or for use as a bedside crib.
What Babylist Parents Say
“The crib is easy to use. It has worked for us when we’ve needed it for travel and use at the grandparents’ house.” - Cristina
Additional Specs
Weight: | 22 lbs (does not include bassinet) |
Measurements: | 30.7 x 41.3 x 29.5 in |
Recommended use: | 0 to 3 years |
Lightest Travel Crib
Why We Love It
Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib is the lightest of our top picks, making it especially ideal if you’re a family who’s routinely on the go. Top features include easy setup (it unfolds and breaks down in one motion, and there’s no loose parts to worry about), breathable mesh sides and a firm but ultra-comfy mattress that parents rave about. The mattress and the fabric frame are both machine washable, making for easy cleaning. And when crib is folded in its carrying case, it will fit within any airline baggage compartment. Wheels up, with baby in tow!
This dark green is a Babylist exclusive, but the travel crib comes in other colors too.
Keep in Mind
This travel crib doesn’t come with a fitted sheet, so you’ll have to buy one (or two) separately.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This travel crib is so lightweight, easy to set up and easy to carry. It’s perfect. It’s expensive, but the convenience has been great. I hope we can continue to use it for years.” - Cathy
Additional Specs
Weight: | 13 lbs |
Measurements: | 32 x 44 x 24 in |
Recommended use: | 0 to 3 years |
Most Affordable Travel Crib
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for simple, sturdy travel crib that will stand the test of time but won’t break the bank, this Pack ‘n Play from Graco fits the bill. Although it’s basic, the features are anything but—there are a ton of things that you (and your little one) will love. We especially appreciate the sturdy frame, the roomy area for play and sleep and the push-button fold for quick and easy breakdown. And at under $60, this travel crib is perfect for using as an extra playard around the house and for keeping at the grandparents’ house or anywhere else you know you’ll be visiting on a regular basis.
Keep in Mind
You can’t attach any extras to this travel crib, like a bassinet or changing table. And some parents complain that the mattress is on the thin side, so that may be something to consider if you’re planning on using it for more than just the occasional weekend away.
Additional Specs
Weight: | 18.5 lbs |
Measurements: | 29 x 28.25 x 39.5 in |
Recommended use: | 0 to 3 years |
Most Portable Travel Crib
Why We Love It
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know the value of having one less thing to tote around. Meet the Lotus: the travel-crib-turned-backpack that no traveling family should leave home without. This ultra-lightweight crib folds seamlessly into a compact, backpack-style carrying case, leaving your hands free to deal with the other 142 things they’ll be tasked with for attempting to leave the house with your littles in tow. (This feature comes in especially handy when you’re dealing with plane travel.) We also love the unique zip-down “door” feature of the crib’s mesh side—it makes getting down on baby’s level for cuddles, feeding or play super easy, then quietly zips back up and locks into place.
Keep in Mind
Some parents don’t love that the sleeping pad of the Lotus travel crib lays on the floor.
What Babylist Parents Say
“The Lotus crib is one of the best products we have. It is lightweight, folds and assembles in just a few snaps, and has mesh sides. The fabric comes completely off and is machine washable.” -Kristin
Additional Specs
Weight: | 13 lbs |
Measurements: | 45 x 32 x 25 in |
Recommended use: | 0 to 3 years |
Easiest-to-Set Up Travel Crib
Why We Love It
It truly doesn’t get any easier than this. Simply push the center of this (roomy, awesome, breathable) playard and watch it fall open into place. Then, when you’re ready to pack up, pull the center loop to fold and close. You can even do it one-handed! Other features to swoon over include an included travel bag and a mattress that’s easy to wipe down with a damp cloth.
Keep in Mind
We love the waterproof crib sheets, but remember you’ll have to buy them separately.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Compared to my friends who have other popular brands that include changing tables and a bunch of ‘extras’ the 4Moms Breeze only took seconds to set-up. So we were ready to go while they were still trying to figure theirs out.” - Mary Ashley
Additional Specs
Weight: | 23 lbs |
Measurements: | 43”L x 30”W x 29”H |
Recommended use: | Birth up to 30 lbs |
Best Multipurpose Travel Crib
Why We Love It
While many travel cribs are ideal for sleeping, they’re not always roomy enough to double as a playard, too. Not the case with the Play-to-Night. This unique 2-in-1 travel crib is expandable via a central zipper, making it just right for cozy nights in crib mode and 60 percent larger for play when it’s fully expanded in playard mode. We love the neutral color palette, the breathable mesh sides and the included wipe-clean playard mat.
Keep in Mind
This travel crib does come with a sheet, but it’s polyester. You can upgrade to a cotton/poly option in an adorable cloud pattern if you’d like.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Super easy to set up! We wanted a playard that wasn’t too big but easy to set up/take down when we weren’t using it. We aren’t planning on using it as a travel crib but are so glad to have the option in case we need it. So far baby loves it!” - Kate
Additional Specs
Weight: | 29 lbs |
Measurements: | 38 x 24 x 29 in for sleep mode, 38 x 38 x 29 in for play mode |
Recommended use: | 0 to 3 years |
Choosing What’s Right for You
If your child feels at home in a travel crib—anywhere you go—the payoff is usually a better-rested child. And that my friends, is priceless. So it’s worth doing a bit of homework when considering which travel crib to buy. As you review your options, be sure to consider size and weight (especially for air travel) and roominess (do you have a future pro athlete on your hands?), as well as whether or not you’ll use an add-on features like a bassinet or changer.