The Best Travel Cribs of 2024 – Reviewed by Forbes

Dimensions: 32 x 44 x 24 inches (open); 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (closed) | Weight: 13 pounds | Weight Limit: None

With a lightweight design and easy setup, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the best all-around travel crib. Its compact size and sturdy travel bag make it easy to store in the car or check in with your luggage, so a safe sleep solution is always within reach. Set up and take down only takes a few minutes. The price is in the mid-range for a travel bassinet, but you also pay for the reliability of the BabyBjörn brand, which is synonymous with durability and quality. Parents love the modern design, which comes in neutral colors, unlike other baby gear in bright colors.

Since the mattress is supported by the floor, there is no weight limit for the child. However, there is a height limit of 35 inches or when a child can easily climb up on their own.

What parents say: “After testing and using several different travel cribs, I found the BabyBjörn to be definitely the easiest to take down,” says Forbes Vetted trade editor Margaret Badore, who has a 2-year-old son. “The packaged shape is wide and flat compared to the Guava Lotus crib – so one downside is that you can’t take it with you on the plane, but I’ve tested the BabyBjörn on several flights without any problems.”

Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches (open); 24 x 12 x 8 inches (closed) | Weight: 15 pounds | Weight Limit: None

The Guava Lotus Travel Crib’s airport-friendly backpack design makes it our pick for the best compact travel crib. The backpack straps are padded and ergonomic for a comfortable fit, no matter how long your stay is. In terms of size, the folded version of the playpen is 50% smaller than the assembled version. An insulated, waterproof mattress pad completes the features, making cleanup easier if your baby blows up during the night. The zippered side allows you to snuggle up next to your baby in case they need help falling asleep.

Guava offers a generous 60-day trial period, so you can be sure this travel cot is right for your family. Like the BabyBjörn Travel Lite Crib, there is no weight limit.

What parents say: “You can bring Guava Lotus on the plane as carry-on,” says Badore. “And even though the BabyBjörn is a bit quicker to set up, I found the Lotus setup to still be very easy and intuitive to set up and pack.”

Dimensions: 39.4 x 27.6 x 25.6 inches (open); 26.2 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches (closed) | Weight: 17.9 pounds | Weight Limit: 33 pounds

At just $50, the Pamo Babe portable travel crib is one of the most affordable on the market. It’s easy to set up and has a roomy interior for your baby to sleep or play in, while the mesh lining allows for four-way airflow and maximum visibility. A padded mattress offers temperature control, so baby is less likely to overheat. A weight limit of 33 pounds allows parents to use it through toddlerhood.

What parents say: “One notable feature is the mattress, which seems to have more padding than cribs I’ve bought in the past. This added comfort provides a cozy and secure sleeping environment for my little ones. The netting and rails are very strong, which highlights the overall well-made construction of this portable crib,” says one Amazon reviewer.

Dimensions: 30 x 21.3 x 11.8 inches (open); 20.2 x 3.8 x 22.1 inches (closed) | Weight: 3 pounds | Weight Limit: 15 pounds

This portable bassinet provides the security your newborn needs to sleep (or rest). The travel basket sets up in seconds and its compact shape lies flat for storage and can even fit into a large suitcase – a huge plus when traveling with a newborn. Wipeable surfaces make cleanup easy for those inevitable diaper spit-ups or blowouts, and the shade canopy blocks out light. It must be placed on a stable, level surface.

Note, however, that the weight limit is only 15 pounds and is not recommended for babies once they start pushing themselves up on their hands and knees. This means it’s only an option for the first few months of your baby’s life, and the manufacturer recommends you stop using it once your baby is 3 months old.

What parents say: “We take this on the go and it works like a charm, from the beach or boat to hanging out on the patio. We use it all the time. Easy to open and close. It folds flat and is easy to keep in the car or use for travel,” says one Target reviewer.

Dimensions: 46 x 24 x 26 inches (open); 15 x 15 x 3.5 inches (closed) | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Weight Limit: 50 pounds

Traveling with small children means your hands are full – just like your car when it’s loaded for a long journey. So being able to open and set up this travel bed with just one hand is a huge plus. Designed for children aged between 6 months and 3 years, this travel cot pops into place after unzipping from the folded size and is ready to use straight out of the box – no assembly required. The compact size makes it easy to fit in your car, even when fully loaded with other gear.

Parents love the spacious interior, which allows older children to sit and play after waking up. The mesh cover provides 50% UV protection. Note that for this to be considered a safe place for children under 1 to sleep, it must be placed on a firm, flat surface that children cannot roll off of – such as the floor.

What parents say: “The moment I took this out of the package and set it up, my daughter immediately went inside and refused to come out,” says one Target reviewer. “I love that it can be folded down to a small size and fit in any size suitcase or bag. It is also extremely easy to set up. My older kids love helping me set it up because it’s so easy.”

Dimensions: 43 x 29 x 25 inches (open); 24 x 9 x 22 inches (closed) | Weight: 13 pounds | Weight Limit: None

Getting a baby to sleep is hard, and getting a toddler to sleep is even harder, especially when you’re away from home. This sturdy travel bassinet is a great option for older children who need a little more space. The zippered side panel allows older children to crawl into bed on their own, encouraging independence and maintaining positive bedtime routines even when you travel. Along with all the general safety seals of approval, the Alfa Lite comes with Greenguard Gold certification, which guarantees lower chemical emissions from plastics and materials.

All fabric parts are removable for easy washing. Although there is no weight limit, the product is not intended for children over 35 inches tall.

What parents say: “This play yard is so light, easy to set up and great for shorter moms. I love the side zipper,” says one Amazon reviewer. “This is one of my new favorite purchases. My 19-month-old is really enjoying being able to crawl and get out of bed all by himself.”