The Best Travel Cribs For The Summer!
It's summertime, so we're thinking about travel and all the gear that will make summer adventures even sweeter. The travel crib is an essential for getting out of dodge, as your little one will need a safe and cozy place to sleep while you're all on the road.
In this article, we'll tell you what to look for in a travel crib and then detail some of our top choices!
In This Article
- What is a Travel Crib?
- Key Features of a Travel Crib
- Babesta's Picks: The Best Travel Crib
- Shop the Best Travel Cribs at Babesta
What is a Travel Crib?
A travel crib is basically just a crib that is lightweight and portable. It's as easy as that! Travel cribs may also be referred to as portable cribs, play yards, or pack and plays.
From a safe-sleep perspective, the travel crib is one of the three safe spaces that your baby can sleep in (the other spots are a bassinet or crib). It's an essential must-bring whenever you go to grandma's house or jet off on vacation!
But a travel crib doesn't only have to be used for travel. That's right, these cribs are even helpful to have in the house, especially if you have two floors!
It's no surprise that this essential baby gear item is a must-have for the registry, so be sure to add one if you're making your Babesta or Babylist (linking to Babesta) registry.
Key Features of a Travel Crib
There are a few things to look for when you're shopping for a travel crib.
Lightweight
First of all, you'll want something pretty lightweight --- yet you want to balance this with sturdiness. Be sure to choose something that you can easily pick up and move from room to room.
Easy to Fold
Of course the next key feature is that you want a crib that's easy to fold. Some travel cribs just pop open or closed, others have legs that tuck in and still others need to be assembled and disassembled.
Be sure you're comfortable with how it will work, because the name of the game is making it as easy as possible for you.
Compact
Take a look at how the crib looks when it's folded. Although they're all compact, that compact-ness can look different.
Bassinet Level
Some options for travel cribs offer a higher bassinet level as well as a lower level. This can be convenient if your little one is a newborn as it makes it simple to take them in and out of the crib.
Side Zip
Some travel cribs allow zip access from the side so that you can sit next to them and play with the baby.
Greenguard Gold certification
It's an excellent benefit to have a Greenguard Gold certification with any of your gear, as that means it's been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and VOC emissions and meets industry standards for low emissions. A very good thing!
Accessories
Check the accessories that your chosen travel crib may offer. Some common ones are extra sheets, but others offer diaper changing tray, changing station organizer, and canopy for the sun.
Like with everything, it may end up being a bit of a trade off, so look at your primary use for the Travel Crib --- plane travel? car travel? at home? and choose the best fit accordingly!
Babesta's Picks: The Best Travel Cribs
Bugaboo Stardust $279
First up in our best travel crib picks is the Bugaboo Stardust. We love how it opens and folds, and are impressed by its compactness. It's literally a 1 second pop open fold!
It's compact, with a frame that's folded measuring 25" x 5.5" x 33.8" and it comes with a travel bag for easy portability. Whereas for some play yards, you have to remove the mattress to fold, with the Stardust, you can fold with the mattress in place.
Because there's a bassinet level, it's a great solution from day 1 - and even makes a perfect bassinet for beside your bed (you'll need a travel crib and a bassinet anyway, so why not let this do double duty!).
There's lots of airflow and you can always see baby through the mesh panels of the crib. Sheets are sold separately.
Note, this crib is suitable for 0-2 years, whereas others are suitable up to 3 years, so you may not get as much use out of it, though most parents don't actually use a travel crib until 3. It's also 17lbs which is on the heavier side but not the heaviest!
Folded:25"x 5.5" x 33.8"
Unfolded: 25" x 38.8" x 33.8"
Weight: 16.7 lbs
Pros: Elegant style, easy pop open and closed; folds with mattress, bassinet level
Cons: Shorter use, since 0-2 years (max weight 33lbs) instead of others that are 0-3 years, does not come with sheet
UppaBaby Remi $299
The UppaBaby Remi is a robust solution for a travel crib. It would be a top pick for someone who is using it at home, managing multiple floors or even using it in lieu of a standard crib.
The Remi features a bassinet level which is so helpful for a newborn, and it offers all the bells and whistles you could ask when it comes to accessories, including a waterproof mattress cover, travel bag, changing station, changing station organizer, and canopy.
The mattress is breathable and machine washable which makes it super convenient, and your purchase includes an organic cotton mattress cover and storage bag. The Remi is also Greenguard Gold certified.
We love that the baby sleeps off of the floor, and really appreciate the side zip making it easy to access baby a number of ways.
Whereas the fold is relatively compact, the Remi is a little on the heavier side (20 lbs) which would be our only caveat on this awesome crib.
Folded: 11" x 10" x 28.5"
Unfolded 40.5" x 26" x 28.5"
Weight: 20lbs
Pros: Most robust, great accessories, bassinet level, side zip, GreenGuard Gold Certified, comes with organic cotton mattress cover
Cons: Heavier and larger than other models; slightly more expensive
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light Bundle $279.99
Baby Bjorn's Travel Crib Light has been around for ages and is a great, portable solution that is quite lightweight and compact. This travel crib is suitable up to 3 years old and its all mesh design allows for great ventilation and breathability.
It's a snap to pop open, though you do have to affix some hooks on the bottom (super easy). It all folds down to a handy portable briefcase style package making it easily transportable.
It's only 13 pounds so is super light, and is OEKO-TEX certified, which can make you breathe easy about the safe materials. The travel bag is included in the purchase as is a sheet (as long as you purchase the bundle.)
Note although this is lightest, it does not feature a bassinet level like the others. Also, the baby/child is on the floor rather than elevated.
Folded: 19" x 23.5" x 5.5"
Unfolded: 32" x 44" x 24"
Weight: 13lbs
Pros: This is the lightest at 13 lbs and can accommodate a child 0-3 years old. It is also OEKO-TEX certified and comes with an organic cotton sheet.
Cons: It does not feature a bassinet level or side zip as some of the others. The child is also on the floor rather than slightly elevated.
Silver Cross Sleep & Go $299.99
We were blown away by the Silver Cross Sleep & Go, as it is a great combo of all the best features of our other favorite travel cribs. It not only is super light like the Baby Bjorn (though it is slightly heavier), but features a bassinet level like the Remi & Stardust and side zip like the Remi.
It folds down very small and comes with its own travel bag. It's suitable for a baby from birth to 50lbs.
Folded: 35" x 13.4" x 6.7"
Unfolded: 44" x 31.5" x 26.4"
Weight: 15.2lbs
Pros: Bassinet level, side zip, easy fold, lightweight, long-lasting until child is 50lbs
Cons: Sheets not included
The Verdict: Best Travel Cribs
So as you see you have some choices to make. Travel Cribs range from the simplest and lightest Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light to the most robust UppaBaby Remi. The Silver Cross Sleep & Go is great if you want something light but a little more robust, with more features than the Baby Bjorn. Or if you are OK with a little more weight, the pop open and close of the Bugaboo is pretty awesome.
Shop The Best Travel Cribs At Babesta
If you want to see the Best Travel Cribs in person, of course, come on in to Babesta! We have these cribs on display and can walk you though their features. We'll help you weigh the differences and find the right one for you.
Besides Travel Cribs, we also have primary strollers, travel strollers, infant car seats, convertible car seats, baby carriers, nursery furniture and more on the floor to check out. Be sure to read our guides to learn more about whatever category you're tackling!
In addition, our seasoned sales associates can talk you through your choices on all your baby gear and help you make a great choice for your family!
Don't forget to register with us to get all of the amazing Babesta services: from hold it til you need it, to free stroller assembly, to white glove services and more, Babesta will have your back throughout your pregnancy and beyond!
Being able to roll in and ask your questions to an actual human who's studied this market for the past 20 years ---I hope you'd agree---Priceless. This being said, we do our best to price match, so you're getting all of this convenience at the same price.
See you in the shop! xo Babesta
