Image: MomJunction Design Team
Ensuring your baby gets a good night’s rest is challenging when traveling. So, we have created a list of the best travel cribs for toddlers as they are portable, safe, and make your job easier. These cribs are tried and tested, have a compact and foldable design, and provide your baby with a good night’s rest. Most travel cribs come with a mesh covering, protecting your child from bugs and insects. Explore our list to learn more about these cribs with different designs.
Top Picks
Safety Tips To Follow While Using A Travel Crib For Toddlers
To keep your sleeping baby safe, you should follow some safety tips when using a travel crib.
- Select a travel crib designed and tested to meet the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards.
- Do not place pillows, thick blankets, soft toys, additional mattresses in your toddler’s sleep environment.
- The gap between the sides of the bedding and the crib should not fit more than two fingers.
- Every crib comes with its set of instructions. Make sure to follow the instructions and assemble all parts correctly.
- Do not test the balance of the crib by placing it on any unstable surfaces, such as beds and tables. You should always set up the crib on the floor.
- Do not use broken or modified cribs, and do not use cribs older than ten years.
- Use sheets or mattresses specified for the crib
- Do not place the cribs anywhere near the window blind, baby monitor, or any other cords, as they may strangle on them.
- Make sure the mesh holes are 1/4 inches or smaller.
- Discontinue using the travel crib once your toddler learns to climb out of it.
11 Best Travel Cribs For Toddlers
1. Best Comfortable:Guava Family Store Lotus Travel Crib
Lotus travel crib is perfect for families traveling with babies and toddlers as it comes with a backpack carrying case that makes your journey relaxed. This travel crib features a thick pad and soft foam that provides comfortable sleeping space for your baby, making it ideal for trips. The lightweight and compact crib has a maximum weight limit of 15lb and is easy and quick to set up or pack. The lightweight and compact crib is easy and quick to set up or pack. Its breathable and visible fabric mesh has a zippered door on one side to put your baby in and out of the crib without much hassle. This travel crib cum bed for toddlers is GreenGuard Gold approved and free from toxic materials. To find out more about this product, check this video review.
Pros
- Suitable as a crib or Playard
- Comfy mattress
- Travel-friendly
- Non-toxic certified
- Easy to lay down babies with zipper door
- Secured with Velcro tabs
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Have to bend a lot to place your baby
- Zipper may be noisy
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,205 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
2. Best Spacious:Babybjorn Travel Crib
The travel-friendly and baby-friendly crib by Babybjorn can accommodate children up to three years or until they learn to climb out of it. It is ultra-light, weighing 13 pounds, and compact. The spacious toddler travel bed with a thick, soft mattress is comfortable and safe for playing. It has a mesh fabric covering, which is airy and helps you keep an eye on your baby. The crib and mattress fabrics are free from harmful substances, and the crib has a sturdy base that helps prevent wobbling. You can fold the safe and effective crib in half into its bag and carry it around while traveling. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Easy to set up and takedown
- Thicker and cushier mattress pad
- Durable
- Offers stability
- Safe and non-toxic
- Machine-washable fabric offers ease of cleaning
Cons
- Difficult to place and pick up your baby
3. Best Sturdy:Baby Joy Travel Crib
Baby Joy brings you this mommy-approved travel crib made from aluminum tubes and iron handrails that ensure sturdiness and durability. The mesh covering of the crib allows good air circulation and visibility to help the baby feel comfortable. The easy-to-assemble crib also has a zipper that helps you place and pick up your baby without any inconvenience.
The travel crib has sufficient space to accommodate you and your toddler during playtime, and it makes a comfortable sleeping area for your child. Its mattress is soft, flat, and non-collapsing to protect your child’s delicate body. The crib weighs 10 pounds, which is a perfect size for travel.
Pros
- Removable and washable fabric
- Lightweight and portable
- Stable and durable
- Soft mattress pad
- Foldable and easy to set up
- Zip-open door feature
Cons
- Zipper may not be strong enough
"Traveling with my little one has been hassle-free with this crib. It assembles in no time and is roomy enough for my tall toddler. I need to add extra padding for warmth and comfort, but it is still a solid companion for its portability."
Guava Family Store Lotus Travel Crib | Babybjorn Travel Crib | Baby Joy Travel Crib | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum | Polyester | Wool, Mesh |
| Color | Grey, Black, White | Silver | Grey |
| Weight | 15 pounds | 13 Pounds | 11 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches | 44"L x 25"W x 32"H | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,205 | 1,215 | 395 |
| Price | $239.0 | $269.99 | $119.99 |
4. Best Foldable:Yinuoday Baby Lounger Portable Crib
Made from soft and skin-friendly materials, the crib from Yinuoday is perfect for your child’s tender skin. The crib comes with a strap system, which loosens up to accommodate growing babies up to two years. As babies have a delicate spine, the baby-friendly crib offers a soft yet firm mattress that applies even pressure to the baby’s spinal development. Constructed from soft guardrails, the crib helps prevent the babies from rolling out. These cribs have a bionic design that makes the babies feel safe, warm, and comfortable. This tried-and-tested crib is lightweight, foldable, and has adjustable straps to let you easily carry it around while traveling. You can place this baby crib directly on the floor or on an adult bed, sofa, car, etc.
Pros
- Ideal for co-sleeping
- Wide and comfortable cushion
- Safe and secure
- Convenient to carry around
- Adjustable straps to secure the baby
Cons
- Shape may vary after the first wash
5. Best Ventilated:MiClassic Travel Baby Crib
MiClassic travel crib for babies lets you travel light and easy, as it weighs only 13 pounds and is compact. This travel crib is ASTM-certified and also safety-tested to comply with all the safety standards of CPSC and CPSIA. The ventilated and see-through mesh covering makes the crib breathable and lets you keep an eye on your child. The crib, padded with a soft fabric mattress, offers a comfortable space for children up to three years for an overnight sleep or playtime. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product.
Pros
- Ultra-portable
- Sturdy yet light frame
- Zippered door opening
- Soft fabric mesh covering
- Easy and quick to set up
- Folds up easily
Cons
- Hard to reach the baby from above
Do remember6. Best Skin-Friendly Material:Ounuo Travel Crib
The Ounuo travel crib, made from anti-rust iron tubes and a non-slip base, offers a safe and sturdy design that helps improve stability and prevent tilting. It weighs 16 pounds crib and is easily set up in less than 15 seconds. A trusted choice among parents, it comes with a simple button that folds the crib compactly into its bag and lets you effortlessly carry it or pack it inside your car. The travel bassinet cum crib has a soft-yet-durable mesh covering that comes with a zippered door and storage pocket. You can be assured of its safety, as it’s been tested, meets all ASTM, CPSIA standards, and uses non-toxic and skin-friendly materials.
Pros
- Easily opens and closes
- Space-saving design
- Ease of assembly
- Wide and sturdy
- Convertible from bassinet to playpen
- Storage facility
Cons
- Lacks good ventilation on the zipper side
"This pack-and-play offers a nifty solution for keeping my baby comfortable, especially when I visit my parents on weekends. It serves both as a bassinet and changing area, making it a worthwhile choice."
7. Best Breathable:Baby Delight Go With Me Nod Travel Crib
The portable travel crib from Baby Delight is trusted by moms for various reasons. It folds up effortlessly and fits into its bag that you can strap on when you’re traveling. It is light and is easily set up without any hassle. Made from ultra-breathable fabric, the baby-friendly crib lets you keep an eye on your baby and ensure they have a fresh airflow. To offer your little one a safe and comfortable place to sleep while at home or on travel, the crib comes with a plush and soft mattress. It is suitable for children between zero and three years or up to 50 pounds.
Pros
- JPMA-certified
- Used as a playpen and a crib
- Sleek design and color
- Compact when folded
- Easily portable
- Removable and washable cover
Cons
- Plastic cover of the mattress may be too hard
"Its compact, easy-to-use design makes transport and setup a breeze without compromising on the comfort and safety of my baby. Also, the side zipper is a thoughtful feature, offering easy access to my baby."
8. Best Adjustable:Uniplay Foldable Travel Crib
This travel crib by Uniplay, a trusted brand, is spacious enough to let your little one play hassle-free. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. An adjustable pole design brings stability to the crib on even surfaces. The simple fold-and-go design is a nice feature that promotes compact folding for easy storage or carrying while on a trip. A breathable mesh design ensures see-through and enhanced ventilation for comfortable sleeping. Furthermore, the padded waterproof playpen keeps your munchkin safe from rough surfaces. This portable toddler bed has a weight limit of over 120lb, making it durable.
Pros
- Lightweight and collapsible crib
- Portable design
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable poles
Cons
- Mesh or see-through fabric may look flimsy
"Assembling it is straightforward, and it is lightweight enough to make travel less cumbersome. The included mattress isn�t comfortable for sleeping on hard surfaces but serves well for my baby to play. Adding an additional layer solves this issue."
9. Best Versatile:Lamberia 3-in-1 Travel Crib
Lamberia offers a versatile portable crib with proven performance that converts into a standalone or bedside bassinet. The crib-cum-bassinet, made from a sturdy iron and aluminum frame, is safe for babies up to 18 months. It features a soft mattress that applies pressure evenly and offers comfort to your sleeping baby. You will notice a wheel and brake system at the bottom that lets you move the bassinet or lock it in a single place. Its compact size makes it an ideal portable crib for small spaces, and it also comes with an extra storage bag that makes it handy while traveling.
Pros
- Includes a sheet and mosquito net
- Height adjustable
- Breathable and visible mesh
- Easy to assemble and detach
- Easy to carry and store
Cons
- May not be of high-quality
10. Best Safe:Graco Travel Lite Crib
Graco offers travel cribs for supporting newborns, infants, and toddlers. The safe and effective infant travel bed cum crib creates a cozy and comfortable space for your baby to sleep in, and its removable bassinet helps you elevate your baby’s height, making it easier to lift them from the crib. As your baby grows into a toddler, you can remove the bassinet to create more space. The airy mesh on each side of the crib helps you monitor your baby at ease. It includes a quilted removable mattress pad that offers a good night’s sleep for your baby. Its canopy, a mom-approved and favorite feature of parents, shields little ones from light and keeps them engaged with soft toys.
Pros
- Compact design that fits easily
- Integrated wheels for easy portability
- Support bars keep the mattress straight
- Automatic one-button folding
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- May have a strong odor
11. Best Visibility:Heao Travel Crib
Heao offers one of the best baby travel cribs that provides spacious sleeping and playing spots for babies. The mom-approved crib features a smooth sponge mattress that lets your babies sleep comfortably. The mesh on either side of the crib allows easy airflow and better visibility. The ASTM-certified aluminum tubes with non-slip bases enhance stability and reduce wobbling. You can fold the crib into a bag and put it in your car or carry it on your shoulder when you travel.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable mattress
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight and compact
- Spacious
- Strong frame
Cons
- Requires dismantling the tubes to fold the crib
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,205 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
How To Choose The Right Travel Crib For Toddlers?
Here are some factors to keep in mind while buying travel cribs for toddlers.
1. Safety: Opt for travel cribs that comply with ASTM, CPSC, and CPSIA safety standards to ensure they are free of harmful chemicals and substances.
2. Comfort: Check for features, such as organic cotton crib sheets, padding, the softness of the mattress, space availability, and breathability, as they offer utmost comfort to your baby.
3. Crib weight: If you’re buying a crib for traveling, you may opt for lightweight cribs that are easy to carry.
4. Child’s age and weight: Most travel cribs are suitable for babies of various ages and sizes; however, certain brands cater to only newborns or toddlers. Check for the age and weight specifications before buying a crib.
5. Ease of use: Look for travel cribs that are easy to set up and takedown as this saves your time. Ideally, most travel cribs should take less than one or two minutes to assemble or dismantle.
Gopa Bezboruah, a parenting and travel blogger, says, “Travel cribs are a must-have if you are avid travelers to ensure your child gets proper sleep anywhere. A cranky child can be a handful to manage when you already have much to handle. So, ensure the crib is lightweight, compact, easy to assemble and disassemble, easy to pack, and the right fit for your child’s age, weight, and height for a hassle-free experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a toddler sleep in a portable crib?
Yes, your little one can sleep in a travel portable crib that meets the ASTM and CPSC safety standards. However, ensure your baby has not overgrown the travel or portable crib.
2. What is the right age for babies to sleep in a travel crib?
Your little one can sleep in a travel crib until they reach three years. Stop using it if your baby can climb out of it.
3. What are the benefits of using a travel crib?
A travel crib provides a secure and cozy place for your child to sleep. Unlike traditional cribs, travel cribs are lighter and more portable.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, our in-house writer, specializes in baby and toddler products. Traveling with a toddler, however daunting it might seem, can actually be fun and memorable if you have the right travel gear with you. Considering this, Vibha has carefully scoured various baby health forums before compiling this list of the best travel cribs for toddlers. These portable cribs will make many happy travel memories for you and your child. The cribs are made of premium materials, have multiple safety features, and are sturdy and long-lasting to ensure your child’s comfort.
If your child can’t sleep properly while traveling, they will feel uncomfortable and fussy, making it difficult for you. Travel cribs for toddlers provide a safe and comfortable space for your little one to have an uninterrupted sleep. Before choosing the right crib, prioritize safety and ensure it is safety-tested and complies with ASTM, CPSIA, and CPSC safety standards. Moreover, you should consider factors like comfort, the child’s weight and age, crib size, and ease of use. We hope our list of the best portable travel cribs for toddlers can help you understand the relevant features to suit your child’s needs.
Infographic: How To Use Travel Cribs For Toddlers Safely?
Travel cribs for toddlers provide a safe and convenient solution for on-the-go families, offering a comfortable and secure sleeping environment during travel. However, these can be a safe haven only when used as per the right precautions. Check out the following infographic to get a glimpse of how to use travel cribs safely.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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