The Best Travel Cribs, After Testing 11 Top Models

A good travel crib offers a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep—and it doesn’t increase your stress when away from home or while hosting little ones. To find the best travel cribs on the market, I tested 11 popular options by evaluating them for ease of setup, comfort and safety. My two top picks, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, were also road tested on multiple family trips with my toddler. Depending on your needs, there are also several other great travel cribs to consider.

Here are all the winners from my testing:

For this guide, I tested true travel cribs, not pack and plays. A pack and play is handy to have at home as an extra spot for your baby to nap or play in, but they tend to weigh much more than travel cribs thanks to the many extras they come with like changing stations. Some pack and plays are a chore to fold and tote with you during family travel. “If you’re someone who’s often on the move, portability is key, so go for a crib that folds up easily and doesn’t take up much space in your car or storage,” says Sarah Schulze, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Illinois.

For the sake of this article, I focused on finding the most lightweight, compact and easy-to-use options when looking for a travel crib. In other words, a portable crib that’s actually easy to pack up and take on a trip with you and the family. Read on for an in-depth look at all my top picks, plus guidance on how to pick the right crib for your needs and insights into my testing process.

The Guava Lotus is truly designed for travel, from its lightweight frame to the backpack style case. Of the travel cribs I tested, it’s among the fastest to set up and the lightest overall. I also like that there’s a side zipper, so you can get your baby from either the side or top—making it generally more accessible for different types of caregivers. The zipper clips in place when closed, too, meaning an enterprising toddler can work it open, as my son did on one family trip when I didn’t secure it. That said, my son actively seemed to enjoy sleeping in this crib, even in unfamiliar places.

All travel cribs have a mechanism to attach the mattress to the frame. This ensures that there’s no unsafe gap that could pose a suffocation or injury risk. I found the difficulty of attaching the mattress to the frame a major point of differentiation among the travel cribs I tested, and it’s one of several ways the Guava Lotus is a winner. The mattress has straps that are attached with a plastic clip, which slides through the floor of the crib and connect to the feet. It’s easy to push through, and the zippered opening gives you more access to the connection points.

Easy To Carry, Too

But the thing that makes this crib truly the best travel option is its case. You can carry the 15-pound crib in its case with its short carry straps or wear it as a backpack to free your hands and arms for all that other kid gear. Now, squishing the crib down into the case is this crib’s one big drawback—you absolutely must use the attached clips to keep the frame closed before folding the mattress around it, otherwise the whole thing really won’t fit in the bag (I did try without the clip once, and it required two people to hold the whole thing shut). The case is small enough to fit in the trunk of my Mini Cooper and leave space for a travel stroller. It also fits into the overhead compartment of most aircraft, however, many airlines let you check cribs for free—so personally I prefer to check travel cribs curbside and avoid lugging them through the airport.

If you want the simplest and quickest setup and breakdown, something you can do when you’re totally jet-lagged or running late to catch a train—the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is for you. It comes closest to dethroning the Guava Lotus from the top slot. It’s also the travel crib Sarah Bossio, a certified pediatric sleep consultant, recommends to her clients. Of all the cribs I tested, this one was the fastest and easiest to set up. It doesn’t have a zipper on the side, so that may be an accessibility issue for some caregivers.

Exceedingly Light And Easy To Fold And Open

It’s lightweight and has come on quite a few trips with our family. While few toddlers love bedtime, my kiddo seemed to have no problem sleeping in the BabyBjörn crib. On one trip with just my toddler and myself, I hooked the case’s short straps around the retractable handle of a large checked bag, and pushed my stroller with the other hand to get from the car to check-in.

The main downside is that the folded crib in its case is not as compact as other options, it’s a wide and flat briefcase style bag, and it doesn’t have a shoulder strap. Its geometry meant that if I put it in the trunk of my Mini Cooper, nothing else would fit. Instead, it traveled in front of the passenger seat. That said, the bag is very sturdy, and I’ve had no issues checking it. Both the bag and crib have survived many cross-country trips as checked luggage.

For under $200, the Chicco Alfa Lite is a sturdy travel crib with many of the same features as it more expensive competitors. I found the setup to be straightforward, only taking a few seconds longer than the Guava Lotus. At 12.5 pounds, it is the very lightest crib I tested.

It has a side zipper for a second way to get your child in and out (and makes setup easier), and the zipper can be clipped closed. The slots on the floor of the crib are a nice size, so I could fish the strap that connects the mattress to the frame through from the outside—unlike some other models which require you to reach your arms from the top of the crib to the floor to properly secure the mattress.

Not Always The Smoothest Operation

I have two small quibbles with this crib overall. First, I found the buttons that release the legs a bit tricky to get the hang of at first. Second, the case has a zipper—which I prefer over a drawstring for checking your crib—but leaves a gap that in theory debris could get into. However, I do like that all the fabric from both the mattress and the frame can be removed and machine washed.

Some parents don’t love putting a newborn all the way down on a floor-supported travel crib (although it’s perfectly safe for Baby), but there are plenty of options on the market with detachable bassinets. This option can be easier on caregivers’ backs, and also provides a good place for diaper changes. I tested several cribs with this option, and the Uppababy Remi is my favorite for a few reasons.

First off, I like that this crib has a Greenguard Gold certification, which means it’s passed third-party testing to assure the presence of fewer concerning chemicals. It also comes with its own organic mattress cover. The bassinet has a 20 pound limit where much of the competition has a 15 pound limit, although you’ll want to move your baby to the big crib as soon as they start to push up on their elbows. When your baby graduates from the bassinet, they still won’t be sleeping on the floor, and you can access them using a side zipper. My son seemed to like crawling in and out of this crib, and the big side opening let me tuck him in from the side and read him stories before zipping him in.

Versatile Crib But Heavy

Next, the setup was pretty easy. Despite six connection points between the mattress and frame, setup was pretty easy and quick. The straps that connect the mattress are rigid, so it’s easy to push them through their slots. The frame unfolds with a central push downward. Finally, there are a bunch of optional accessories, including a canopy for darkness, a changing station and supplies organizer. Although I didn’t test these, I can see them being nice to have, particularly if you’re keeping this crib at home for visiting family members.

The major trade-off with this crib is that at 20 pounds, it’s the heaviest of our winners. Although I like the duffle-style storage bag (it has convenient pockets and zips completely closed), you won’t want to carry it very far.

I’m currently expecting twins, and I plan to further test the Remi when my little ones arrive.

If more space for your child is a higher priority than lightness or compactness, this travel crib from Newton provides a larger sleeping area. However, this crib does have some drawbacks.

Nonetheless, this is a winner not only for folks who want a larger travel crib option, but also those who want something with extra padding all around. The mattress is thick and soft, and the top frame is more padded than most of the competitors. All of that fabric can be removed and machine washed. You can also purchase a bassinet attachment to add to the play yard for newborn sleep; it supports babies up to 15 pounds. Standard travel crib sheets don’t fit this larger-than-average mattress, so I recommend getting a set of Newton’s compatible sheets, which are cotton on the top and have polyester trim and sides.

Not The Easiest Breakdown

Although the setup wasn’t particularly hard, I found the breakdown to be a struggle. The steps must be done in a certain order (legs first, then short side, then long sides). It was difficult for me to push the buttons on the top frame at the same time, particularly on the long sides. I’m also not the biggest fan of rolling the mattress around the frame because the Velcro-like fabric that helps to hold the mattress to the frame is pretty scratchy. I do like that it has built-in fasteners to keep the roll tight, and it’s pretty easy to get back into its case.

This travel crib from Pamo Baby not only folds into the smallest package for travel, but it’s also the least expensive option on our list. I first used this travel crib at an out-of-town wedding when my son was just under 2 years old and was generally impressed with it.

This crib doesn’t have the most intuitive setup (the joint and the center of the crib floor must be up in order to lock the side rails), but once I got the hang of the order, it’s among the fastest cribs to unpack and set up. It offers small side pockets to stash extra pacifiers or wipes in, and although it doesn’t have a bassinet attachment, the design keeps baby off the floor by a couple of inches. The mattress does feel thinner than some of the others I tested, but my son both napped and slept on it overnight without any issues.

I tested two cribs from Pamo Babe and a quibble I have with the brand is that some illustrations in both manuals did not match the product I had in hand. However, the discrepancies weren’t so big that I was unable to figure out how to set up the crib.

The inside of the crib is pretty spacious, but it still fits what I would call a standard travel crib sheet (the same kind that fits the BabyBjörn). It has a fully zippered case that’s smaller than even the Guava Lotus, and although I haven’t flown with it yet, it could be either checked or would fit in the overhead bin of most aircraft.

Other Travel Cribs I Tested

Nuna Paal (Rating: 8): A close contender as the best for infants, this crib lost out to the Uppababy Remi by just a hair, because it takes several minutes longer to set it up and because the weight limit on the bassinet attachment is slightly lower. However, it’s a very nice crib option that’s available in four neutral colors.

Pamo Babe Mini Crib (Rating: 7): Another affordable and compact option from Pamo Babe, this crib was pretty easy to set up and take down and comes with a bassinet attachment. However, the side zip opening is quite small, and the overall quality seemed a notch lower than the Chicco Alfa Lite. Although the folded crib would probably fit in an overhead bin, I don’t love that the bag only has a drawstring closure, which made me feel less confident about checking it.

Silver Cross Sleep And Go Travel Crib (Rating: 5): This crib from Silver Cross was by far the most frustrating to set up, even after several tries. To connect the mattress to the frame, you need to push tiny loops through the base and then hook them onto the frame. This not only hurt my fingers, but the little loops kept falling out of the slots in the sheet.

Bugaboo Stardust (Rating: 7): This crib required the most work to get it set up out of the box. For the initial setup, you need to attach anti-tip feet yourself, then there are eight attachment points to thread through and secure the mattress to the frame. Once assembled the mattress stays connected and folds up inside the crib to fit back into the case. Plus, Bugaboo’s crib sheet doesn’t have slots to be threaded through the mattress straps. In theory, one could put a clean sheet on the mattress and unfold it all together at your destination. But what ultimately prevented this crib from being a useful travel crib is that its folded shape is very flat and very wide with one short handle (no shoulder strap), making it not all that great to take on a flight.

Chicco Dash (Rating: 7): At 29 pounds, this was by far the heaviest crib I tested, and it’s really not suitable for travel. I also found attaching the mattress to frame was more difficult than many of the other cribs I tested. It’s sturdy and has a nice bassinet attachment, but it’s really more of a pack and play with a set of wheels to help you move it around the room.

How I Tested Travel Cribs

Before I began testing, I did a deep dive into understanding the travel crib market. I spoke to other parents about their experiences with different travel cribs, I read through the regulations that govern both travel cribs and regular cribs to understand how these products differ, and I also evaluated the ratings of popular travel cribs at major retailers and considered what products are sold by the most trustworthy baby gear brands.

I eliminated any “portable” cribs that weigh over 20 pounds (with the exception of the Chicco Dash), as I feel these are generally too heavy to take on trips but might work at home as a pack and play.

Once making my list of contenders, here’s how I tested them:

• After removing each crib from the packaging and reviewing the instructions, I practiced setting up the crib at least once. Then, I timed how long it took me to set up each crib and put on a travel crib sheet. I also noted the ease of setup.
• I assessed the thickness of the mattress, the quality of the materials and the overall sturdiness of the crib. I noted any special features and I evaluated how easily I could put my toddler in the crib and take him out.
• I disassembled/folded each crib and noted how difficult it was. I also assessed how easily I could put it back in its travel bag.
• I evaluated any travel case/bags for quality and its suitability to be used a checked luggage.
• I carried each folded up crib in its bag to determine how easy it would be to transport the crib.
• I took several of the top cribs on trips with my family and observed how well my child slept in them. I continue to test more of the top contenders as our family travels and will update this article with my observations.

What To Consider When Shopping For A Travel Crib

When finding the best travel crib for your family and lifestyle, you’ll want to consider if portability is more important than features that add weight such as a bassinet or larger size. It’s also important to take into account how you’ll be traveling and the crib’s weight and height limits. Here’s my advice for balancing those considerations.

Weight And Height Limits

Perhaps the most important factor to consider when shopping for a travel crib is your child’s size and your best estimate of their size when you plan to travel. All travel cribs have a recommended weight and/or height limit, which helps ensure your child’s safety while using the crib.

This is particularly important when it comes to bassinets, which are often only safe for babies up to 15 pounds—a weight that many babies reach between 4 and 6 months of age, although some reach sooner.

Floor-supported cribs, like the Babybjön, Guava Lotus and Chicco Alfa Lite, don’t have weight limits. Instead, you should stop using the crib when your child reaches the height limit or is able to climb out by themselves, which poses a safety risk in terms of falls.

Overall Portability

All of our top picks weigh 20 pounds or less, with the lightest weighing in at under 13 pounds. A lighter crib makes traveling much easier, especially if you need to take it on public transportation, but that usually means fewer features.

The size and shape of the folded crib is also worth noting. “​​Make sure that it can fit in the car or can be checked on an airplane, so that we can bring it with us,” says Bossio. Some cribs fold into a flat suitcase-style shape that I’ve found more cumbersome to move around than a more compact rectangle. Finally, the design of the case itself makes a big difference—longer straps that can go over your shoulder are generally more comfortable to carry for any distance compared to short handles.

Ease Of Setup And Breakdown

When looking for the best travel cribs, I prioritized ease and speed of setup—and in the course of my testing, I found the difficulty of setup to vary widely. That includes connecting the mattress to the frame and also using a travel crib sheet if desired.

Similarly, a good travel crib should be easy to disassemble and get back into its bag—it’s the last thing you want to be struggling with when trying to catch a flight or get kids packed into the car.

“Test it out at home before you travel to make sure that you know how to assemble it quickly,” says Bossio. “Thinking about the stress of a travel day with a baby or a toddler, the last thing we want to worry about is spending 30 minutes on trying to get a crib assembled when we just want to get them down for a nap or we just need to put them in bed after a really long flight.”

I was able to set up all of the winning travel cribs on our list in under 5 minutes, including putting on a sheet.

Features

If you’re traveling with an infant, you may want to consider a travel crib with a bassinet attachment. These attachments usually zip on and off, and typically use the same mattress as the main crib (sometimes with one panel detached). A bassinet means less bending down for caregivers and lets newborns sleep above the floor in their smaller sleep space.

Other features to consider are side zippers, canopies that create a dark space around the crib and side pockets for storing supplies.

Sheets

Although many manufacturers say a sheet is optional—and make mattress covers that are removable and washable—many parents prefer the comfort and cleanliness of an additional sheet. “The special sheets made for travel cribs might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but in my experience, they’re absolutely worth it,” says Schulze.

Travel crib sheets typically have slots that allow you to thread the mattress straps through them, helping to keep the sheet in place and the mattress secure. “It’s a seemingly small feature,” says Schulze. “But it offers incredible peace of mind knowing there’s no loose fabric that could potentially pose a risk to your baby’s safety.”

Look for a travel crib sheet that’s compatible with your specific model (often made by the same manufacturer) to ensure that it will fit properly. “I always recommend just measuring the mattress surface and then ensuring that the sheet is the same size,” says Lisa Trofe, executive director at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Sheets that are too big pose a suffocation risk, but Trofe also points out that sheets that are slightly too small are also a problem, even if you can still get your mattress connected: “It can pull the mattress in a little bit, even if it’s secured to the frame, and that can create gaps around the edge of the mattress and the side wall of the product.”

Safety

While all the same safe sleep guidelines that should be practiced at home apply while traveling (1-year-olds and younger should sleep alone, on their backs with no loose bedding), there are few additional things to keep in mind. Travel cribs must meet stringent federal safety standards, but it’s important to read all of the manufacturer’s instructions and not skip any steps. “Following the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and then for use every time is very important,” says Trofe. Be mindful that travel cribs often have a lower weight or height limit than full-size cribs, so keep an eye on that as your child grows.

“Be sure to set it up with a flat, firm sleep surface, properly fitted sheets and no added padding for safety,” says Schulze. Both Trofe and Bossio recommend checking that everything is secure and functioning properly every time you set it up, before putting baby in. This ensures that nothing has been damaged in transport. “So, checking the connectors, checking that everything is tightened correctly, ensuring that the mattress is in the right position for the age of the child are really important factors to remember every time that the product is used,” says Trofe.

Additionally, don’t skip the step of attaching the mattress to the frame. “This mechanism, whether it’s straps, clips or Velcro, is designed to keep the mattress securely in place,” she says. “Without this connection, the mattress could create gaps along the edges of the crib where little hands, feet or even a baby’s head could get stuck.”

Finally, Trofe notes that if your travel crib ever needs replacement parts, it’s best to get them directly from the original manufacturer, to ensure that the crib continues to function safely.

My Expertise

As the baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I’m deeply immersed in the world of baby gear. I’ve been a journalist for over 15 years and have spent the majority of my time covering health and science topics. As a professional product reviewer, I’ve tested a wide range of products, from breast pumps to strollers.

I’ve also spent plenty of time on the move and consider myself a pro at packing. I’ve traveled across Europe, Asia, North and South America and I hope to share my love of adventure with my kids. My oldest son is currently 3, and I’m also expecting twins this spring.

As part of my research for this story, I interviewed a range of experts about travel cribs, including: