Parents know they need a portable crib when they take bambino on the road
Even if you’re fine crashing on whatever couch will have you, your baby needs a safe, reliable mini crib or travel crib on your next family vacation. Traveling with a baby means navigating unfamiliar settings, dealing with crying and screaming at inopportune times, and fighting that nagging feeling that you forgot something important. When you finally reach your destination, you don’t want to worry about getting your kid to fall asleep. A travel crib, an easy transportable, enclosed sleeping surface designed for babies, makes it easy for baby (and therefore dad) to get some sleep after a long day on the road.
See more: Best Travel Strollers
So whether you’re bringing your kid to the grandparents’ house or Disney World, don’t forget a travel crib. The great ones are lightweight and fold up compactly. They’re easy to carry, and they open and shut smoothly with minimal effort. They also have removable mattresses and/or washable mattress covers, because, you know, babies. We looked the portable cribs and travel cribs on the market and found some great ones. They have stellar great customer reviews, and they’ll give your kid a comfortable place to sleep and you one less thing to worry about on your next trip.
Best Portable Cribs and Mini Cribs HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Rocking Bassinet
This travel sleep system grows with your baby, going from rocking bassinet, to portable crib, to travel cot.
Buy Now $238.49
Pros: We dig the breathable mesh mattress, which is removable and washable. This specific travel crib set includes the portable crib frame, breathable mesh mattress, rocker attachment, bassinet, cot legs, and portable travel bag. It fits babies up to 30 pounds.
Cons: Storage? What storage?
Dimensions (unfolded): 40” long x 30” wide x 35” high Weight: 24 pounds BABYBJORN Portable Cradle
Admittedly, most portable cribs are not exactly aesthetic winners. But this one by BabyBjorn is one of the few exceptions. It's lightweight enough to move around the house, but just as easy to fold up. In fact, when you fold it up, it measures five inches in height.
Buy Now $349.99
Pros: This portable crib rocks either when you move it, or when the baby moves. The sides of the cradle are made from mesh fabric for extra breathability. The mattress is washable.
Cons: There’s no storage, whatsoever.
Dimensions (unfolded): 23″ wide x 31″ wide x 26″ high Weight: 18 pounds MiClassic Bassinet One-Second Fold Travel Crib
This Amazon bestseller is a stationary bassinet that has a handy open and fold system. It folds right into its carry bag, for easy storage. And it goes from stationary mode to rocking mode when you adjust the legs.
Buy Now $169.99
Pros: This travel crib and bassinet meets all safety standards, despite its low price. And it is suitable for babies weighing up to 33 pounds. The fitted sheet, which you need, is sold separately, and once put it on, you won’t notice the crease (which is there because this bassinet opens and closes).
Cons: It has no storage basket, so you’re out of luck on that end.
Dimensions (unfolded): 37.4″ wide x 23.8″wide x 28 ” high Weight: 15.6 pounds Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet
If you have a newborn, this is the travel crib for you. This go-anywhere bassinet weighs less than two-and-a-half pounds and has a built-in carrying handle. To break it down, all you have to do is push the four release buttons and fold it in half.
Buy Now $39.99
Pros: The fact that there are four buttons means that your baby won’t accidentally fold it up, which would be disastrous. Mesh sides ensure the baby enjoys a comfortable snooze and the removable, water-resistant mattress pad and fitted sheet set are included. It’s also quite affordable.
Cons: The Brica Fold N’ Go is designed for infants up to three months old, so you won’t get a ton of use out of it.
Dimensions (unfolded): 30″ long x 18.5″ wide x 10″ high Dimensions (folded): 22″ long x 17″ wide x 3″ high Weight: 2.45 pounds Travel Bassinet for Baby
The ComfyBumpy travel bassinet lets parents choose between two modes: stable mode and rocking mode. It's collapsible, lightweight, compact, assembles without tools, and includes a carry bag.
Buy Now $179.99
Pros: This travel bassinet comes with a mattress, a washable fitted sheet, a washable urine pad a carry case, and a mosquito net. You can choose between stable mode or rocking mode.
Cons: This is for newborns only, and parents should stop using it when the baby can get up on their hands and knees or has reached 25 pounds.
Dimensions: 34.45″ x 19.09” x 23.23” high Weight: 18 pounds Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
The beauty of the Lotus is that it's designed to save your aching back. Rather than having to lean over the mesh walls of the crib to put down and pick up your baby, this clever crib features a zippable side-panel door that lets you slide your little one in easily. Even better, you can leave it open during playtime so you kid can crawl in and out on his own.
Buy Now $209.00
Pros: In transit, the backpack straps make it easy to carry with you. And when you arrive at your destination, it only takes 15 seconds to set up the Lotus.
Cons: The mattress is a weird size, and reviewers have said that you should stick with Guava Family sheets, which gives you less flexibility than a standard size crib.
Dimensions (unfolded): 45″ long x 32″ wide x 25″ high Dimensions (folded): 24″ long x 7″ wide x 11″ high Weight: 13 pounds BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light
Ease of use is paramount when it comes to portable travel cribs, which is why the Baby Bjorn's one-motion set up is so attractive: simply pop the frame open and the legs automatically swing into place.
Buy Now $269.10
Pros: The slightly tapered shape makes this crib nice and stable, and the mesh sides make it both cool for your sleeping baby and lightweight for your back.
Cons: It’s on the expensive side, and it’s not small enough to fit into the overhead compartment of a plane, so expect to check.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 32″ long x 44″ wide x 24″ high Dimensions (folded): 19″ long x 23.5″ wide x 5.5″ high Weight: 13 pounds Romp & Roost Luxe Oversized Playard
This play yard has a patent-pending, removable divider that creates separate sleeping spaces (27-inches by 20-inches) for two infants or toddlers. It's hard to understate how great of a feature this is for parents with multiple kids of crib age. It could also come in handy if, you're joined by your toddler niece or nephew on a family trip.
Buy Now $239.99
Pros: When the divider’s out, the Romp & Roost is basically the baby equivalent of a California king. Given its larger size, this thing isn’t fitting in the overhead bin, but it does pack into a zip-up storage bag that can be rolled using the travel crib’s lockable wheels.
Cons: You need a bag with wheels because, at 33 pounds, this is one of the heavier cribs on this list.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 54″ long x 40″ wide x 30″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 33 pounds MiClassic 2-in-1 Rock & Stay Bassinet
This bestselling portable bassinet is easy to fold up and has both stationary and rocking modes.
Buy Now $169.99
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 37.4″ long x 23.8″ wide x 28″ high Dimensions (folded): 6.7″ long x 22.8″ wide x 20.7″ high Weight: 15.63 pounds
Pros: This bassinet folds down using a quick pull-up mechanism that’ll have you putting it into the including carry bag in no time. It’s relatively light, and the fact that it has both rocking and stationary modes gives parents the tools they need to get their kids to sleep and make sure they’re safe while slumbering.
Cons: MiClassic cautions that you have to use their sheet, which is a drag for people who have standard sized crib bedding they’d like to use.
Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
This folding enclosed napping spot doubles as a play space with included hanging toys
Buy Now $65.00
Pros: This dome-shaped crib from Fisher-Price has a canopy that’ll keep your baby safe from sun and bugs if you decide to have a picnic. It’s great for travel because it folds flat easily, and it’s great for sleeping because it’s totally flat, as doctors recommend.
Cons: The included pad isn’t the comfiest surface ever, so if your kid is a fussy sleeper you might want to invest in something with more padding.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 31.5″ long x 29.9″ wide x 28″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 13.3 pounds 4moms breeze GO portable travel playard
Every travel crib on this list is relatively easy to set up, but the 4moms breeze GO is the simplest. Push down on a central hub and the legs extend/lock into place automatically. To pack it up, pull on the central hub strap and to automatically release the locks and contract the legs.
Buy Now $249.99
Pros: It comes with a travel bag, and the mattress is designed to be cleaned with a damp cloth. Suitable for babies up to 30 pounds.
Cons: Doesn’t come with sheets, a bassinet, or a changer (as other 4moms models do) despite its steep price.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 43″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 23 pounds Noninoni Mini Crib and Mattress Standard Edition
Designed by a father-daughter team of architects, the Noninoni Mini is a full crib you can fit in the car trunk. It's a real wood travel crib that can be assembled in under two minutes without tools ⏤ no Allen wrench, no screws, no bolts. It packs up flat, so it's perfect for car trips.
Buy Now $399.00
Pros: It is the sturdiest crib on this list. You can use it as an everyday crib and, with three mattress positions, it can grow with your kid.
Cons: It’s definitely on the pricier end of this list, and at 55 pounds, it’s on the heavier side. If you want maximum portability, look elsewhere.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 43″ long x 28″ wide x 35″ high Dimensions (folded): 43″ long x 35″ wide x 6″ high Weight: 55 pounds
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Articles: How to Stop Masturbating (If It's Making You Feel Bad) Holiday Gift Ideas for the Wired Dad in Your Life These Wool Shoes Are So Comfortable You'll Never Want to Take Them Off New 'Frozen 2' Olaf Toy Stalks Your Kids. We're Serious.
The post The Best Portable Cribs for Bringing Baby on Vacation appeared first on Fatherly.
#Gear
See more: Best Travel Strollers
So whether you’re bringing your kid to the grandparents’ house or Disney World, don’t forget a travel crib. The great ones are lightweight and fold up compactly. They’re easy to carry, and they open and shut smoothly with minimal effort. They also have removable mattresses and/or washable mattress covers, because, you know, babies. We looked the portable cribs and travel cribs on the market and found some great ones. They have stellar great customer reviews, and they’ll give your kid a comfortable place to sleep and you one less thing to worry about on your next trip.
Best Portable Cribs and Mini Cribs HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Rocking Bassinet
This travel sleep system grows with your baby, going from rocking bassinet, to portable crib, to travel cot.
Buy Now $238.49
Pros: We dig the breathable mesh mattress, which is removable and washable. This specific travel crib set includes the portable crib frame, breathable mesh mattress, rocker attachment, bassinet, cot legs, and portable travel bag. It fits babies up to 30 pounds.
Cons: Storage? What storage?
Dimensions (unfolded): 40” long x 30” wide x 35” high Weight: 24 pounds BABYBJORN Portable Cradle
Admittedly, most portable cribs are not exactly aesthetic winners. But this one by BabyBjorn is one of the few exceptions. It's lightweight enough to move around the house, but just as easy to fold up. In fact, when you fold it up, it measures five inches in height.
Buy Now $349.99
Pros: This portable crib rocks either when you move it, or when the baby moves. The sides of the cradle are made from mesh fabric for extra breathability. The mattress is washable.
Cons: There’s no storage, whatsoever.
Dimensions (unfolded): 23″ wide x 31″ wide x 26″ high Weight: 18 pounds MiClassic Bassinet One-Second Fold Travel Crib
This Amazon bestseller is a stationary bassinet that has a handy open and fold system. It folds right into its carry bag, for easy storage. And it goes from stationary mode to rocking mode when you adjust the legs.
Buy Now $169.99
Pros: This travel crib and bassinet meets all safety standards, despite its low price. And it is suitable for babies weighing up to 33 pounds. The fitted sheet, which you need, is sold separately, and once put it on, you won’t notice the crease (which is there because this bassinet opens and closes).
Cons: It has no storage basket, so you’re out of luck on that end.
Dimensions (unfolded): 37.4″ wide x 23.8″wide x 28 ” high Weight: 15.6 pounds Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet
If you have a newborn, this is the travel crib for you. This go-anywhere bassinet weighs less than two-and-a-half pounds and has a built-in carrying handle. To break it down, all you have to do is push the four release buttons and fold it in half.
Buy Now $39.99
Pros: The fact that there are four buttons means that your baby won’t accidentally fold it up, which would be disastrous. Mesh sides ensure the baby enjoys a comfortable snooze and the removable, water-resistant mattress pad and fitted sheet set are included. It’s also quite affordable.
Cons: The Brica Fold N’ Go is designed for infants up to three months old, so you won’t get a ton of use out of it.
Dimensions (unfolded): 30″ long x 18.5″ wide x 10″ high Dimensions (folded): 22″ long x 17″ wide x 3″ high Weight: 2.45 pounds Travel Bassinet for Baby
The ComfyBumpy travel bassinet lets parents choose between two modes: stable mode and rocking mode. It's collapsible, lightweight, compact, assembles without tools, and includes a carry bag.
Buy Now $179.99
Pros: This travel bassinet comes with a mattress, a washable fitted sheet, a washable urine pad a carry case, and a mosquito net. You can choose between stable mode or rocking mode.
Cons: This is for newborns only, and parents should stop using it when the baby can get up on their hands and knees or has reached 25 pounds.
Dimensions: 34.45″ x 19.09” x 23.23” high Weight: 18 pounds Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
The beauty of the Lotus is that it's designed to save your aching back. Rather than having to lean over the mesh walls of the crib to put down and pick up your baby, this clever crib features a zippable side-panel door that lets you slide your little one in easily. Even better, you can leave it open during playtime so you kid can crawl in and out on his own.
Buy Now $209.00
Pros: In transit, the backpack straps make it easy to carry with you. And when you arrive at your destination, it only takes 15 seconds to set up the Lotus.
Cons: The mattress is a weird size, and reviewers have said that you should stick with Guava Family sheets, which gives you less flexibility than a standard size crib.
Dimensions (unfolded): 45″ long x 32″ wide x 25″ high Dimensions (folded): 24″ long x 7″ wide x 11″ high Weight: 13 pounds BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light
Ease of use is paramount when it comes to portable travel cribs, which is why the Baby Bjorn's one-motion set up is so attractive: simply pop the frame open and the legs automatically swing into place.
Buy Now $269.10
Pros: The slightly tapered shape makes this crib nice and stable, and the mesh sides make it both cool for your sleeping baby and lightweight for your back.
Cons: It’s on the expensive side, and it’s not small enough to fit into the overhead compartment of a plane, so expect to check.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 32″ long x 44″ wide x 24″ high Dimensions (folded): 19″ long x 23.5″ wide x 5.5″ high Weight: 13 pounds Romp & Roost Luxe Oversized Playard
This play yard has a patent-pending, removable divider that creates separate sleeping spaces (27-inches by 20-inches) for two infants or toddlers. It's hard to understate how great of a feature this is for parents with multiple kids of crib age. It could also come in handy if, you're joined by your toddler niece or nephew on a family trip.
Buy Now $239.99
Pros: When the divider’s out, the Romp & Roost is basically the baby equivalent of a California king. Given its larger size, this thing isn’t fitting in the overhead bin, but it does pack into a zip-up storage bag that can be rolled using the travel crib’s lockable wheels.
Cons: You need a bag with wheels because, at 33 pounds, this is one of the heavier cribs on this list.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 54″ long x 40″ wide x 30″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 33 pounds MiClassic 2-in-1 Rock & Stay Bassinet
This bestselling portable bassinet is easy to fold up and has both stationary and rocking modes.
Buy Now $169.99
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 37.4″ long x 23.8″ wide x 28″ high Dimensions (folded): 6.7″ long x 22.8″ wide x 20.7″ high Weight: 15.63 pounds
Pros: This bassinet folds down using a quick pull-up mechanism that’ll have you putting it into the including carry bag in no time. It’s relatively light, and the fact that it has both rocking and stationary modes gives parents the tools they need to get their kids to sleep and make sure they’re safe while slumbering.
Cons: MiClassic cautions that you have to use their sheet, which is a drag for people who have standard sized crib bedding they’d like to use.
Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
This folding enclosed napping spot doubles as a play space with included hanging toys
Buy Now $65.00
Pros: This dome-shaped crib from Fisher-Price has a canopy that’ll keep your baby safe from sun and bugs if you decide to have a picnic. It’s great for travel because it folds flat easily, and it’s great for sleeping because it’s totally flat, as doctors recommend.
Cons: The included pad isn’t the comfiest surface ever, so if your kid is a fussy sleeper you might want to invest in something with more padding.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 31.5″ long x 29.9″ wide x 28″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 13.3 pounds 4moms breeze GO portable travel playard
Every travel crib on this list is relatively easy to set up, but the 4moms breeze GO is the simplest. Push down on a central hub and the legs extend/lock into place automatically. To pack it up, pull on the central hub strap and to automatically release the locks and contract the legs.
Buy Now $249.99
Pros: It comes with a travel bag, and the mattress is designed to be cleaned with a damp cloth. Suitable for babies up to 30 pounds.
Cons: Doesn’t come with sheets, a bassinet, or a changer (as other 4moms models do) despite its steep price.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 43″ long x 30″ wide x 29″ high Dimensions (folded): Unavailable Weight: 23 pounds Noninoni Mini Crib and Mattress Standard Edition
Designed by a father-daughter team of architects, the Noninoni Mini is a full crib you can fit in the car trunk. It's a real wood travel crib that can be assembled in under two minutes without tools ⏤ no Allen wrench, no screws, no bolts. It packs up flat, so it's perfect for car trips.
Buy Now $399.00
Pros: It is the sturdiest crib on this list. You can use it as an everyday crib and, with three mattress positions, it can grow with your kid.
Cons: It’s definitely on the pricier end of this list, and at 55 pounds, it’s on the heavier side. If you want maximum portability, look elsewhere.
Specifications:
Dimensions (unfolded): 43″ long x 28″ wide x 35″ high Dimensions (folded): 43″ long x 35″ wide x 6″ high Weight: 55 pounds
Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Articles: How to Stop Masturbating (If It's Making You Feel Bad) Holiday Gift Ideas for the Wired Dad in Your Life These Wool Shoes Are So Comfortable You'll Never Want to Take Them Off New 'Frozen 2' Olaf Toy Stalks Your Kids. We're Serious.
The post The Best Portable Cribs for Bringing Baby on Vacation appeared first on Fatherly.
#Gear