What To Look for When Shopping For Travel Cribs (And Our Favorites!)

Have a big trip lined up and need a travel crib? Looking for a safe spot for baby where they can play while you get a few things done? Going over a friends' house and worried their space isn't childproofed?

Travel cribs (also known as playards and portable cribs) solve so many problems for new parents, and are well worth it to add to your registry or pick up before your trip. But which one is right for you? In this article, we'll tell you why you need a travel crib and what to look for when shopping for one. Then we'll share a few of our favorite portable cribs.

Why the Right Travel Crib Matters

You purchased the flight tickets, booked the hotel, and have lined up fun things to do for your first trip with baby. But what if you get there only to find that the hotel's crib situation isn't up to snuff? Or if your baby hates their unfamiliar furniture? This would put a major wrench in a vacation that's supposed to be relaxing.

Enter the travel crib. With a travel crib you can give your child a safe, familiar space for naptime and for playtime while you're on the go. Face it, when you travel with baby, it's not always easy. Your gear needs to make it easier. 

At Babesta, we've made a tight edit of our favorite models of travel crib, each chosen for different needs, lifestyles and travel styles. It's true that all travel cribs are not created equal - each has a unique group of features. Knowing what to look for can help you find your perfect match, balancing portability, comfort, and your sanity.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Travel Crib

There are a number of things to look at when you're choosing your perfect travel crib. Let's take a look.

1. Weight

First of all you want to think about the weight of the travel crib. These are made to be portable, so they have to be easy enough to carry around with you. You'll be carrying your crib through airports, up walk ups, and getting it in and out of the car.

The rule of thumb is that the heavier it is, the more features it has, whereas lighter cribs are simpler normally with less features and functions. 

2. Portability & Folded Size

Next, check out how the travel crib folds. Can you just pop it open and shut? Is it one-hand? Multi step? or origami-level? Or, harder yet, do you have to assemble it and disassemble it each time you travel.

Also think about how you'll be traveling. Will it fit easily in your car's trunk? Is there a travel bag that you can purchase so that you can check it at the airport and not worry about damage?

Again, the goal is to make your life easier!

3. Functionality & Sleep Options

Now let's talk about functionality. Here are some common features that travel cribs may have.

Bassinet level

If you have a newborn, choosing a travel crib that has a bassinet level is key. Intended for the smallest babies, travel cribs with this feature have two levels, one shallow and higher for newborns and the one lower for babies over roughly three months to toddlers. 

If you set up the crib next to your bed, having them sleep in the newborn level makes it easy for you to do middle of the night feedings, and saves your back from constant bending over.

Side zippers

Another helpful feature is side zippers. This is great for soothing, nursing, or transitioning a toddler to sleep, as you can open the side and sit next to your child, and not only looking down at them from above.

Mattress position

Next you want to look at the mattress position. Some travel cribs have the lower level straight on the floor while others feature a raised platform. Models that have the child positioned straight on the floor tend to be lighter (makes sense, they don't need an additional platform), although some parents prefer that their child is raised off the floor. As in everything, it's a tradeoff.  

Accessories

There's a range of accessories available for travel cribs. Having available accessories make a crib more versatile for longer stays. Depending on the travel crib you choose, you may be able to get:

• Sunshades for outdoor naps
• Changing trays
• Changing station organizer
• Extra mattress cover or sheets
• Travel bag

4. Age & Weight Range

Another key consideration when choosing your travel crib is the age range that you can use it for. Some travel cribs are a bit smaller, suitable for children from newborn to two years old, while others go up to three years. This can be an important consideration, especially if your child is on the tall side.

5. Use Case: What Kind of Travel Are You Doing?

Next you want to think a bit about what kind of travel do you expect to do. For instance, if you are going to travel by plane quite a bit, opt for a travel crib that's lightweight and compact. If road trips are your jam, the crib could be a bit heavier allowing you to choose one with more features. 

For extended stays, a sturdier, feature-full model is a good idea, and for beach days, choose a model with sun protection, great ventilation, and durability. 

Babesta’s Favorite Travel Cribs (And Why We Love Them)

Now that you know what to look for, let's talk about some of our faves!

1. UPPAbaby Remi

Best for: Beach trips, weekend getaways, and visits to grandma’s house

Why we love it: The Remi is a full-featured travel crib that has a bassinet level and a lower level where baby is up off the floor.  It also has a side zip for easy access, sturdy construction, and a great accessory ecosystem with a sunshade, changing station, travel bag, and more.  As far as luxe travel cribs go this one is tops.

The “but”:

However, all those features come at a cost. The Remi is a bit heavier and bulkier than some ultra-light competitors — so it may not the one you want to haul through an airport if you’re traveling solo.

The Vital Stats

Max height: 35" tall

Bassinet suitable for: birth to 20lbs

True weight (with mattress included): 20lbs

Unfolded: 40.5"L x 26"W x 28.5"H

Folded: 11"L x 10"W x 28.5"H

Price: $379

2. BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

Best for: Flying — the easiest crib to take on a plane

Why we love it: The Baby Bjorn Travel Light Crib is super light and very compact. It folds down into an easy to carry case making it a snap to travel with. Set up is easy and the travel crib is made in breathable mesh and includes a comfy mattress. 

The “but”:

As we said, with something so light and compact, there's always a trade off. This travel crib does not have a bassinet level. This means that baby (and toddler) sleeps on the lower level which is on the floor rather than a raised platform. 

Best for: Simplicity lovers — the fastest, easiest fold

Why we love it: The Stardust is a star for its super easy fold (and unfold) and its sleek, modern design. It literally pops open in seconds. It also features a bassinet level perfect for newborns and the lower level mattress is off the ground as well. The Stardust is super lightweight and quite compact. It's like you pressed the easy button.

The “but”:

A couple things to note with the Stardust. Because it's a bit smaller than the others, it's only suitable to about age 2, whereas others were suitable to age 3. In addition, it doesn't have quite as many accessories as the Remi.

The Vital Stats

Suitable for: 0-2 years, max height 35 inches, 33lbs

Bassinet suitable for: newborn to 19.8lbs

True weight: 16.8 lbs

Unfolded: 25"L x 38.8"W x 33.8"H

Folded: 25"L x 5.5"W x 33.8"H

Price: $349

How to Choose the Right One for Your Family

If you're short on time and want our opinion, here's what we think is the best pick for the purpose. 

• • If you fly often: BabyBjörn because it's light

  • If you want all the features: UPPAbaby Remi - it's full of features!

  • If you want the simplest setup: Bugaboo Stardust - one second, voila!

But, as we said, think about your travel plans, the age and size of your child, and what features you need before making your purchase. 

Your Perfect Travel Crib Awaits

So there you have it. There's no one-size-fits-all - it's all about tradeoffs and priorities. Pick the best travel crib for your lifestyle that will make your adventures easier.

If you'd like to see them in person (we encourage that!) come to Babesta and try your hand at folding and unfolding and carrying it around. It's always best to get that extra assurance of seeing the real thing before it's in your home.

Have any other categories you're digging into? Check out our guides to strollers, lightweight strollers, infant car seats, building your nursery, making your registry and much more!