portable crib

portable crib

 

Best Portable Crib – Top 10 Best Portable Cribs Shortlist

Looking for the best portable crib? Here’s our highly researched shortlist of the Top 10 best portable cribs on the market.

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please note I would never recommend anything that I don’t use and love. Please see my disclosure for more information

 

 

Looking for the best portable cribs on the market?

As a newbie mom, one of the hardest decisions to make is choosing the best portable crib for your new baby.

However as a mom of two older kids, I promise you: this decision doesn’t need to be so difficult!

Rather than spending hours and hours trying to research the very best portable crib on the market, we have done the hard work for you.

We have sourced ten of the best portable crib options available to you right now and when we mean the best, we mean the best!

We have studied all the ratings, the reviews, and the pros and cons of each baby portable crib and come up with a shortlist that will make even the most critical mom happy.

 

 

Without further ado, here are the TOP 10 best portable crib for you to peruse:

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

1 – BabyBjorn Travel Light Portable Crib – Silver (Amazon’s Choice)

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 424+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • Easy to take along with you on all types of adventures – weighs only 13 lbs. Mattress: 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 in/60 x 105 x 4 cm. Assembled: 32 x 44 x 24 in/82 x 112 x 64cm. Folded down in carry bag: 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 in/49 x 60 x 14 cm
  • Simple to set up and fold up with no loose parts to attach. Crib fabric: 100% polyester, Mattress cover: Bottom: 100% polyester, Top: 50% polyester, 50% polyurethane (PU)
  • JPMA Certified Product with safe, breathable mesh sides and a soft, comfy mattress for your child
  • The fabric is easy to remove and is machine washable (warm/40 degree Celsius) and Do not tumble dry and the mattress cover is also machine washable (hot/60 degree Celsius)
  • Can be used for babies and children aged 0-3 years
  • Age : For ages newborn to approximately 3, or until your child can climb out of the travel crib. There is no upper weight limit for using the travel crib

 

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

Like many other out there, I could decide between the BabyBjorn and the Guava. I did A LOT of research, so this is going to be a lengthy review. 

Let me start by saying, you really can’t go wrong either way. Personally, I was looking for a travel crib not for travel as much as just to replace my old pack n play that I no longer wanted to keep due to wanting to get rid of all of my baby gear that contained flame retardants. From my research, the only pack n play replacements currently on the market that do not contain flame retardants are: BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light, Guava Lotus, and the Nuna Sena.

The Nuna Sena has the perk of being more like a traditional pack n play because it has two levels (one for a newborn), and it does not sit on the floor like the travel cribs. It also is bulky like a normal pack n play and isn’t as easy to haul around. The Sena is also the most expensive choice at $250. It also is bulky like a normal pack n play and isn’t as easy to haul around. You can find the Guava for $189 on their website, and the Bjorn averages in the $219-250 here on Amazon.

First I bought the Bjorn because I couldn’t resist the thicker mattress that everyone raved about. I will say that this is a VERY good travel crib. It is very nicely made, super easy to set up and take down, and the mattress is super comfy as others have stated. The footprint is slightly smaller on the Bjorn. The legs don’t stick out quite as far as the Guava). The mattress is slightly wider than the Guava.

The mesh of travel crib gets narrower as it gets to the top of the crib, making the top opening smaller than the Guava (see photo), so this makes the Bjorn not as good of a play space in my opinion, because it feels a little more closed in than the Guava does. To clarify to anyone out there that is wondering, the Bjorn mattress is made of polyurethane, not polyethylene (same is the case for Guava). I had seen a couple of reviews saying that it was polyethylene, but it is not.

Also, the Bjorn is not completely made in Sweden. It says that the textile is made in China, and that the crib is “finished” in Sweden. The textiles are Oeko Tex Certified, which means that the materials used have been tested and certified to meet certain parameters. The tests for harmful substances cover: legally banned and controlled substances, chemicals known to be harmful to the health (but not yet legally controlled),  parameters for health protection. The Guava is not currently Oeko Tex Certified, but is Green Guard Gold Certified. 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. I would also say that it does have a slight edge over Guava as far as quality, but not by a far stretch. There are currently no accessories to go with the Bjorn. It folds up compactly into a suitcase, whereas the Guava folds into a backpack.

The Guava Lotus is another great choice for a non-toxic travel crib. I emailed the company, and they told me they are looking into Oeko-Tex certification, but are currently instead Green Guard Gold Certified. I was told “GreenGuard Gold standard that tests the actual product in a sealed chamber for 7 days to make sure there is no un-healthy offgassing occurring.”

The Guava mattress is about half as a thick as the Bjorn, and a bit firmer. Some people may actually prefer a firmer mattress for their baby, so this isn’t a “con.” I would still say the mattress is better than a standard pack n play mattress. The Guava is made in China, which is a bummer…but what isn’t anymore?! I do appreciate that Guava is a small company out of California, and I have been happy with the customer service I have received from them thus far.
Things that make the Guava a clear winner for you: 1. You travel a lot and want to be SURE that your crib can be carried as a carry on (in my experience airlines have always shipped my giant pack n play for free, but according to other reviewers this is not always the case. I guess I have been lucky ;)). 2. You want to use it as a play space (The Bjorn has a narrower top, making it a more claustrophobic feeling space for playing. Guava also makes a “Fun shade” that turns the crib into a fun play space to be used outside or inside as a fort of sorts.

3. Your baby wakes up when trying to lay them down (it’s a long way down to the mattress on these travel mattresses, and sensitive babies are sure to wake up on the way down!). The Guava has a zipper opening that you can use to gently lay them down. 4. Your baby nurses to sleep. The zipper opening allows mom to lay down with baby if needed. 5. You have a bad back, you’re short, or you are using the crib for the grandparent’s house. Leaning down to pick up a baby that cannot yet stand up gets old really quick. My mom is 69 and about 5’1 and hated the Bjorn because she could barely lean in to pick my son up or lay him down. The Guava zipper solves this problem once again.

Did you make it through this review?! I hope this helps someone, as I tried to cover some areas that other reviewers did not. I ended up returning the Bjorn, as I wanted the crib primarily as a safe play space at home that I could put baby when I needed to do something around the house. One last note: The American Baby Pack n Play sheet fits both of these mattresses, and is a lot cheaper than the ones made specifically for each crib.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

2 – Guava Lotus Travel Crib – Backpack Portable, Lightweight, Easy to Pack Play-Yard with Comfortable Mattress – Certified Baby Safe (Amazon’s Choice)

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 645+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • WORRY-FREE AIRPORT TRAVEL – Designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and only weighs 13 lbs packed.
  • CERTIFIED SAFE & NON-TOXIC – The only playard with GreenGuard Gold non-toxic certification (low voc & no lead, phthalates, pvc, heavy metals, etc). Full-height mesh guarantees best, breathable airflow.
  • QUIET SIDE ZIPPER DOOR – Nurse or cuddle your little one to sleep, then just zip the lockable access door. Easier on your back, and when it’s time to play & crawl, more fun!
  • COMFORTABLE MATTRESS – Perfect for sleep and play, our updated pad’s thick, soft foam is approved for newborns & infants for overnight sleep (0-3 years old)
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED – You get a complete travel crib with the compact backpack carrying case. Two Year Warranty and great customer service. Sheets not included. Setup Crib Length: 42”, Width: 32”, Height: 25”. Folded (in Backpack) Length: 24”, Width: 7”, Height: 11”

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

I cannot say enough good things about this product. But I’ll try. Before I get to the construction, I’ll mention that this is a long-overdue review, because this company was as generous to us as customers as a company could reasonably be. Thank you, Guava!

First, the construction – it’s lightweight without being flimsy, and fully opened, the mattress rests directly on the floor (which yields a much more even sleep surface than products that “suspend” their mattress floors). Our son used this as his primary bed for an entire year (from about six months to a year-and-a-half), since our shoebox Queens apartment didn’t have room for a full size crib. Still, it was nicely spacious for him, and the sidewalls were just high enough for him to eventually pull himself up, but not climb over.

The zipper is low enough that he couldn’t maneuver the side flap open from the inside, but when left open, it was a nice way for him to independently enter and exit the crib. We traveled a fair amount during that year, and it’s a PERFECT fit for the overhead luggage compartments on all but the smallest commuter planes. The mattress folds around the frame, and protects it well during transit. It’s totally easy to clean – even the mesh – and we learned this through some serious baby messes…

But now the customer care story: my 6’3″ husband was vacuuming one day, tripped over the cord, and fell INTO the crib. It’s strong, but not that strong; two legs snapped. Incredibly, we’d just received a new twin mattress for our son to transition that very day, so he did have a place to sleep that night. But we still were dependent on the Lotus for travel. So we contacted Guava to purchase replacement legs (they’re not designed to come apart, but can be unscrewed if you really want to).

They immediately made it clear that we would not be charged (and yes, we told the truth about what had happened), and assured us that the new legs would be at our home by the end of the week. But it gets better: the next day, we got a call from them, apologizing that the legs were no longer the same design, so they’d already put an entire new frame in the mail to us, which arrived about 42 hours total after my husband had squashed it!

Fast forward another year. Our son is two-and-a-half, and visiting his grandpa with his father. He’s still happily sleeping in his Lotus.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

3 – 4moms Breeze Plus Portable playard with Removable Bassinet and Changing Station – Easy one Push Open, one Pull Close (Amazon’s Choice)

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 37+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • Opens or closes in one step
  • Quick set up
  • Includes removable bassinet & changer
  • All-in-one care station
  • Convenient travel bag included
  • Bassinet, changer & playard mattress are easy to clean with a damp cloth
  • Easily portable for travel. Playard – for use from birth until 30 lbs

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

We have been using the 4moms breeze GO for several weeks now, and couldn’t be happier with its convenience and portability. Not only is the GO’s appearance sleek, but its overall ease of use is unmatched. Seriously, the one push open, one push close conversion allows for quick assembly, which is always helpful with kiddo(s) in tow.

4moms thought of everything with this item. From the unique packaging to the convenient travel duffel bag to the quick setup, the breeze GO is the way to go when traveling with kids. This intuitive playpen is perfect for babies/toddlers when nap-time arrives… Our little one always looks comfortable either awake or asleep in his new playpen, and we know he’s safe because of the GO’s sturdy build.

Without a doubt, 5/5 stars! If you’re a parent or expecting, this is the real deal.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

4- Dream On Me Travel Light Play Yard, Black

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 30+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.55 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • The sides of this play yard are made from soft and airy mesh fabric to allow your baby to breathe through the fabric. The see-through mesh lets you keep an eye on your baby and allows your baby to look out.
  • The travel light play yard comes with a soft and comfortable mattress pad
  • The fabric and mesh is free from harmful allergenic .
  • The Travel Light play Yard comes with a soft and comfortable mattress, making it a cozy place for your baby to sleep. The mattress has a built-in base plate that keeps the frame standing firmly on the floor, so your child can always sleep securely.

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

This is a great travel bed! We bought a pack and play mattress insert for it to add some extra cushion because the pad that comes with this isn’t very thick and we were traveling for a month with this so I wanted our son to be comfy. It packs up nicely to fit in the car and is super light! The only con I would say is you have to assemble it each time you need to use it but after a month of us breaking it down and putting it back together we got pretty fast at it.

Our son hates his other standard pack and play but he liked this one a lot. I think maybe he liked it more because of the mesh sidings all the way around – he could see everything. We even were able to use this in a tiny little space in a travel trailer we stayed in for a week on our trip, which is the main reason we bought it – for the size.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

5 – BABY JOY Baby Playpen, Ultra-Light Aluminum Portable Travel Crib with Comfy Mattress & Oxford Carry Bag, Gray (Amazon’s Choice)

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 36+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • Aluminum Pipe + Net + 600D Oxford
  • Parent-Child Interaction – Peek-a-boo could be easily for parents to play with kids! This portable playard are made from soft and airy mesh fabric that allows you to see baby, and baby to see you! On the upper side and every side, you could suddenly appear to your baby on different position to make your baby happy. The see-through mesh can also let you keep an eye on your baby and allows your baby to look out.
  • Ultra-Light BUT Durable- Weighs only 10 lbs, BABY JOY Baby Travel Crib is easy to take along with you on all types of adventures. Constructed by 4 pieces of Aluminum pipes with prolonged feet, covered by breathable mesh and padded with a soft, comfy mattress for your child, it will an indispensable companion to both you and baby.
  • Soft AND Comfy Mattress – The Travel Crib comes with a soft and comfortable mattress which is filled with 4/5″thickness sponge, making it a cozy place for your baby to sleep. It will be a safe place for little ones to sleep and feel at home.
  • Separately Washable – Little babies make lots of messes, so we made the travel crib easy to clean. Both the mattress cover and crib fabric can be easily removed and washed if necessary.
  • Easy to Set Up AND Fold Up – Simply set up and fold up in one simple movement, making the travel crib perfect for both longer trips and short visits to family and friends. An Oxford carry bag is included for easy transportation.

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

This baby playpen is perfect for my newborn. It is so easy to set up and you can bring it anywhere because it is so light weight. We love to bring it to the grandparent house so my son can nap and play in it. It is very sturdy and stable. I love how it comes with a mattress on the bottom for extra comfort. This is a good play pen for babies and I def recommend it for a new mom.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

6 – SnoozeShade Pack N Play Crib Canopy and Tent | Breathable Netting Sleep and Cover Shade | Award-Winning & Mom-Designed

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 87+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • 100% breathable, air-permeable polyester mesh
  • Imported
  • A simple canopy netting cover and travel crib tent that helps babies and toddlers to sleep in the play yard on vacation, during the summer months or at naptime. It also keeps baby from climbing out and keeps toddlers in
  • Sharing a room with a baby you can create a comfortable darkened environment to help your baby to switch off and sleep in strange surroundings and allow you to have the lights on

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

I was a bit nervous when my husband had only booked a room for us and our 7 month old for his grad school reunion weekend. We have not shared a room with her for about 3 months. I was not looking forward to skulking around in the dark and/or dealing with poor night sleep again. After doing some online research, I stumbled upon this. After reading the reviews, I thought I’d try it.

First of all, this shade is made to try to accommodate several play yard sizes. It won’t fit every one perfectly. Do what others recommend and bring binder clips to adjust the fit so that the top doesn’t sag. I did, and while the hotel pnp is much smaller than the graco ones, I just used the binder clips to adjust. If you’ve ever traveled with a baby, you know that improvising with what you have around you is key. That and be prepared to be surprised.

Second, it is a bit weird to zip your kid into this. I didn’t think it would work (I thought she would freak out), but it did! In fact, she was able to get to sleep quicker and more calmly than when we’ve put her in a darkened room. Third, because this encloses the pnp, it will be warmer in there because there is fabric wrapped around. If you’re in a place that has AC, it shouldn’t be an issue. My baby is a heater, and she was fine sleeping with this. It’s light and easy to pack. I used it to help pad my pump packed in luggage.I love this thing! Can’t wait to use it on future trips!

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

 

7 – Wayfinder TravelTot, Baby Travel Tent Portable Baby Travel Bed Indoor & Outdoor Travel Crib Baby Beach Tent UPF 50+ UV Protection w/Mosquito Net and 2 Pegs 

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 25+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • ► UV PROTECTION & ANTI MOSQUITO NET – Our UV50+ baby beach tent will shelter your child away from the sun wherever you travel. It has multiple areas of mosquito net mesh that keeps the outdoor baby tent adequately supplied with a circulation of air and interior protected from wandering bugs.
  • ► ZERO ASSEMBLY – This fast self-expanding baby pop up tent can easily pop open and folds up in seconds. It includes 2 stakes to keep the travel crib securely fixed to the ground and a space saving travel bag that fits easily into large picnic totes, carry on luggage, etc.
  • ► SPACIOUS BABY SUN SHELTER – This toddler sized foldable travel bed is over 4 feet long and 2 feet high. It provides a large space without bondage to easily retrieve your baby after a nap or play time. It’s large enough to act as a portable mini crib for newborn babies, infants or toddlers.
  • ► LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE – Weighing under 1 lb this travel cot is much more effortless to transport than a pack n’ play or portable bassinet. It’s perfect for the on-the-go parent. So keep one handy to set up on beach trips, camping, traveling or just visiting the in-laws.

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

My son who is 3 loves it. We’re going on a family trip and we are flying there. This is perfect cause if folds up flat and will fit in our suitcase.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

8 – Baby Trend Nursery Center, Tanzania

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 172+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

We have had a few of these over the years and this is by far the best. It’s cuter than we thought, easy to assemble up and down, and easy to pack. The diaper station on the side is an added bonus.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

9 – JOOVY New Room2 Portable Playard, Charcoal

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 299+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • The New Room2 (Room Squared) is nearly 50% larger than most traditional playards, so you will be able to use it longer and play more
  • With over 10 square feet of play space, the new Room2 has edge to edge mesh windows that provide great views for you – and your baby
  • An essential piece of gear for families with twins, offering abundant room for two babies and maximum child height-35 inch
  • Joovy offers a 2 Year Warranty – twice as long as the Graco Pack N’ Play, twice as long as the 4Moms Breeze, twice as long as the Summer Infant warranty and 4 times longer than the Baby Trend warranty. Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • Includes a 100% cotton fitted sheet, travel bag. Two wheels for easy moving

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

I have owned probably a half a dozen pack n plays in my day and this one takes the cake. It’s huge! Sturdy! And simple looking enough it doesn’t scream child circus colors in my living spaces.

Pros:
-Was able to open and set it up the first time super easily
-Was able to close it down and pack it away first time easily
-The sheet is SUPER soft like a good shirt fits perfect
-The safety feature to be able to attach the mat Velcroing it down so baby can’t get under the mat is perfect and easy to do
-My 18 month old happily played around and slept in it without being able to get out and she had room for a friend for sure.

 

Click here to check it out.

 

 

BEST PORTABLE CRIB

10 – Cosco Funsport Play Yard (Elephant Squares)

 

 

Click here to check it out.

 

NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 681+

NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

 

  • This roomy Cosco play yard provides ample space for small children at home or on-the-go, with four mesh sides so they don’t feel isolated from their surroundings
  • The Cosco Funsport Play Yard offers plenty of space for baby to nap or play during those times when mom or dad need both hands free
  • Featuring a simple, no-nonsense design, the play yard sets up or folds away in less than a minute and stores easily in a closet or the back of a car
  • Two wheels on one end of the play yard make it easy to move about the room if needed
  • Specially designed for travel, it comes with its own carry bag for ease of transport
  • This play yard is JPMA-certified, meets ASTM safety standards, and features a one-year limited warranty
  • For more than 70 years, Cosco has been a leading children’s product brand recognized for its dedication to safety and value. From bouncers to car seats, swings to strollers, and high chairs to play yards, Cosco’s essential baby products feature solid value and smart design.

 

BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):

 

I’m a mom of 8 little ones all under age 9. My youngest being four months old. From birth she’s slept in her rock and play. She had reflux and pyloric stenosis so it was a must. However it’s now time to get her use to flat sleeping. Instead of moving an setting up the crib in my bedroom I find it much easier to get a play yard until they are ready to transition into their crib in their room. When I seen this one I loved the print and couldn’t wait to try it out. I always used a different brand for the other kids so I was anxious to see if this one would function similar. When it arrived I couldn’t have been happier.

This play yard is perfect. The print is super cute and just what I pictured it would be. Its not overly bulky which is a must. Its super easy to fold and then set up which is another must have, specially when I do almost everything one handed. I’m not sure the exact weight limit but this thing is sturdy. My almost two year old got inside with the baby and it held up no problem. The older kids got in it to build a tent and it held up to that as well.

The sides are easy to wipe clean. When not it use it folds up pretty small and velcro straps hold it all in place. It also comes with a carry bag should you need. I absolutely love this thing you couldn’t ask for more for the price. I’m very happy with my purchase and no doubts about it lasting a good while.

 

Click here to check it out.

RELATED POSTS:

 

 

10 BEST BABY SLEEPING BAGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY MOBILES WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST MATERNITY PILLOWS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST PORTABLE CRIBS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST CHANGE TABLE WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY CARRIERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY BOUNCERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY SWINGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BREAST PUMPS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST HIGH CHAIRS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY PLAYMATS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY MONITORS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 TOP RATED BEST BOOSTER SEATS SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 TOP RATED INFANT CAR SEATS SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST DIAPER BAGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST STROLLERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

10 BEST BABY CRIBS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!

 

 

 

  • Before You Go…

     

    – See my EVERYTHING PAGE and grab a free gift > HERE

    – Get instant access to EVERY COURSE I’ve ever created > HERE

    – Listen to my INSPIRING LIFE PODCAST on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.

    – Or for biz owners, listen to LIFE COACH FOR BIZ MOMS Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.