baby travel bed

Best Travel Cribs

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Daniel Ganjian , M.D., Pediatrician, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.  American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained , July 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics, Suitable Sleeping Sites: Safe at Night & Naptime , June 2022. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Sleep – Cribs and Infant Products .

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The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Tested by Our Editors and Their Mini Explorers

With the right travel bed, your tot will sleep (almost) anywhere

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Nick Kova

Traveling with toddlers isn't easy, but you can still have a wonderful time exploring new places with your family—you just need to be prepared. Toddler travel beds provide consistency and protected sleep space, resulting in a well-rested child and a smoother trip for everyone. 

For some parents, portable toddler travel beds are must-haves to provide young children with a secure place to sleep while on vacation. “Simpler is always better, especially when thinking of traveling with toddlers . So, when it comes to a toddler travel bed, you don't need all the bells and whistles,” says Anjuli Gans, MD, a pediatrician at the Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. “There are a lot of fancy ones out there on the market, but your baby really just needs a safe and comfortable place to sleep ." 

We spent hours testing these products (20 total) in the lab and our homes by assembling and disassembling them—sometimes with one hand—and timing the whole process. We also studied the beds' features, how well they hold a toddler's weight, and how easy they are to clean. Our list shows the best toddler travel beds we’ve tested, which we’ll continue to update as we test new models.

• Our Testing Process And Experts
• Factors To Consider

Your Questions, Answered

Best overall, jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

Why We Like It

If you plan to hit the road with your little one and need a toddler travel bed that is comfortable and easy to travel with, then the JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper Kids Inflatable Bed is our top pick for you. Designed for children ages 3 and up, this travel bed features side bumpers to keep your child from rolling onto the floor. There's also an air mesh cover to keep your child cool at night. 

We loved this inflatable bed's unique design, which is very easy to fill up and took us only five minutes to put together and inflate, which is great when traveling with little kids. And since it's light and comes with a small bag with handles, so it's easy to move around. The mattress also has a removable and washable cover that can be spot-cleaned and dries quickly, so your little one can get back to bed. 

When you’re done with it, deflate the mattress, pack it back into its packing cube, and you're good to go!

But Take Note

Setup is incredibly easy, thanks to an integrated pump that lets you inflate the mattress in minutes by using your hands or feet. It’s meant to lie on the floor, so there’s no additional assembly required. Although we noticed it can sound a bit noisy when a child moves on it. Otherwise, we didn't experience any additional issues.

The Details

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Size: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches inflated; 15 x 11 x 4 inches in travel bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Ages 3 years and up; up to 68 pounds

Verywell Family / Vicky Wasik

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

 Amazon

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed is portable and easy to set up, and it comes at a lower price than our top pick, the Stokke. Unlike other inflatables, the Eltow toddler travel bed consists of an outer section with bumpers on two sides and a mattress that fits snugly inside the outer shell. It's not sitting directly on the floor but is at floor level.

We love that it took us just five minutes to set up and is lightweight and portable . It comes with a high-speed pump, two patches in case of punctures, and a travel bag for storage. And thanks to a vinyl layer that protects against punctures, it's well-equipped to withstand wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a bag, so it's super portable. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a sheet, so you'll have to pack one in your luggage. 

One flaw is that the mattress has a plastic smell that sticks around for a few hours once the mattress is removed from its packaging. (It should go away if you allow the product to air out for a day or two before use.) Assembly is straightforward, but removing the pump nozzle without losing air can be difficult when done alone, so we recommend getting a partner to help you out.

• Material: Vinyl
• Weight: 10.21 pounds
• Size: 63 x 40 x 12 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 310 pounds

Best With Pump

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is ideal for parents who want their toddler close to the ground with bumpers on all sides of the bed. A removable mattress rests in a higher outer shell that ensures your little one cannot roll off. It's designed for kids making that transition between cribs and big-kid beds, and it's easy to deflate and pack into its carrying bag before moving to your next destination.

Setup is relatively quick once you get the hang of detaching the electric pump, and it's easy to move around with the handles. Another plus: It comes with a patch kit. The handles are not as easy to clean as the rest of the bed, but we do appreciate that the removable mattress comes in three different colors for kids who definitely have their design preferences. 

The mattress has a faint chemical smell at first, but it's not as eye-watering as some of the other inflatables we tested. It's also very durable due to its thick vinyl material .

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Size: 62 x 39 x 12 inches inflated

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best for Camping

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

This puncture-proof toddler travel bed can be used during trips or at home as a transitional bed for toddlers who are still in that in-between stage. A 120-volt electric pump (and three universal nozzles) is a game changer and makes inflating the bed a breeze. We love how quickly and easily this bed can be put together: It took us five minutes to blow up both parts of the bed and attach a fitted sheet. Best of all, we didn’t even need to glance at the instructions while doing so.

In case you worry about your toddler rolling off the mattress, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed has bumpers along three sides. The removable coil-beam mattress rests snugly inside the outer shell and fits a standard crib sheet. 

Even though the bed is bulky, it comes with a large carry bag that you can wear as a backpack, freeing your hands for luggage or a kid. We also like that the electric pump comes with an adapter for your car, making it ideal for camping. It can be wiped down and the crib sheet can be tossed in the laundry for cleanup. One downfall: It has a chemical smell.

• Material: Not listed
• Weight: 11.88 pounds
• Size: 66 x 44 x 13 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 36 months and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-Up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Design 5 /5

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib is a great option for parents who prefer more of a crib design than an inflatable mattress. Toddlers who need more than bumpers to keep them safe in bed can benefit from this travel crib’s high mesh walls and a mattress that sits low to the floor—which means it's difficult to climb in and out of, let alone roll off of. You won’t need to worry about messes or nighttime accidents because the fabric can be wiped down quickly, and the exterior fabric can be removed from the frame and washed.

The BabyBjorn is a dream to assemble: Setup takes two minutes, and you can put a standard crib sheet on the bed without a struggle, even after attaching the mattress to the four corner safety latches. The mattress is comfortable and a standard crib size . It is also a good pick if you need a travel bed that isn't hard on your back. It is very light, it comes with a carrying case, and it fits into a car trunk. However, the mattress does lie low to the ground, so picking up your child may be tough on your back if they are lying down.

The main reason this crib isn't our top pick is that it's much more expensive than most of the other products on this list, but it's a worthwhile investment if you have the room in your budget.

• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Size: Mattress 23.5 x 41 x 1.2 inches; assembled crib 32 x 44 x 24 inches; 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches in bag
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until your toddler can climb out of this travel crib

Verywell Family / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

The Hugbino provides a lot of the same features as other inflatable mattresses on this list, but at a lower price. The removable mattress is coated in soft velvet flocking to keep your little one comfortable while they snooze, and bumpers along all four sides of the outer shell keep them in bed. It's also a cinch to clean. We appreciate that the mattress can be spot-cleaned, and a sheet can go over the mattress for extra protection.

This inexpensive bed does come with an electric pump, but the setup is not as easy as with other travel beds we tested. We had to use two sets of hands to get the nozzle on before it started to deflate. However, it is light and easy to store and comes with a carrying bag .

• Material : Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 6.63 pounds
• Size: 63.6 x 42.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit : Not listed

Best Crib to Fly With

Guava family lotus travel crib.

• Ease of Setup 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Value 3.8 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4 /5

This crib can’t make traveling on a plane with a toddler less challenging, but it can simplify your life when you get to your destination. In terms of ease of use, this travel bed only took us five minutes to set up and didn't require too much prep work to understand how to put it together. The setup process isn't as straightforward as other travel beds we tested, but it's not difficult.

An access door makes it easier to get to your little one without leaning over the side. You can use the entrance to lay them on the padded, waterproof mattress inside the mesh enclosure or let them go in and out of the crib when they are awake. The mattress is easy enough to wipe, but the fabric around the top of the crib is so absorbent that it's tough to give it a good cleaning. You can also unzip the bed cover and throw it into the washer for a deep clean. This convenience does come at a higher price than a lot of competitors, however.

We like the travel crib's packaging, which comes with shoulder and backpack straps that make it easy to carry around in an airport. It is a tad heavy, however.

• Material: Polyvinyl chloride
• Weight: 13 pounds, 15 pounds with bag
• Size: Mattress 41.5 x 23.5 x 1.4 inches; crib 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches; 24 x 12 x 8 in backpack
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: 0-3 years, or until child can climb out

Verywell Family / Leticia Almeida

Best for Naps

Milliard toddler nap mat.

The Milliard Toddler Nap Mat Tri Folding Mattress can be used for napping anywhere. Simply unfold it at the hotel, a relative's house, or a camping tent, and your little one is good to get their sleep on. It doesn't come with a carrying case, which may make it a pain to carry. But if your toddler spills a drink or has an accident on this mattress, the good news is that it's effortless to clean: It has a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed and a foam mattress that can be spot-cleaned. Plus, it's got a cozy, thick mattress that's comfortable for naptime.

This folding mattress doesn't require any assembly—just take it right out of the box. However, after unboxing, it takes 48 hours to reach the highest comfort level.

• Material: Foam mattress, bamboo cover
• Weight: 8.74 pounds
• Size: 58 x 24 x 3 inches unfolded; 24 x 19 x 9 folded

Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

• Comfort 5 /5
• Effectiveness 3 /5

The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a good pick for families who want a larger travel bed without bumpers that’s a little higher off the floor (16.5 inches) than the toddler beds on this list. A built-in pump makes for easy assembly, since you just turn the panel to either inflate or deflate, and you’re done! When it needs a cleaning, just wipe down as needed.

The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage and travel, but it's not the most compact, and the bag isn't as comfortable as others we tested. On the plus side, the bed has a built-in pillow rest , so you won’t have to pack an extra pillow for your kid when you travel.

• Weight: 10.16 pounds
• Size: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches inflated
• Recommended Age/Weight Limit: Up to 300 pounds

Our Testing Process and Experts

To find the best toddler travel beds, we tested 20 beds in the Parents Testing Lab and in our own homes. We first tried to assemble the travel beds—with one hand, if possible. After that, we noted whether we needed to use both hands or had to get another adult to help. We also timed just how long the setup took for each bed. We then tested how well the toddler travel beds hold a toddler's weight using a 25-to-30-pound sandbag.

Next, we looked at how hard it would be to clean messes on the beds, examining hard-to-reach areas and taking note of the material and what it felt like to wipe it. We tested whether we could use a standard crib sheet as well, and then we tried to disassemble the beds one-handed. After breaking them down, we considered how long it took us and how difficult it was to place the beds inside their carry bags, if bags were included. Finally, we lifted the carrying bags to assess the beds’ portability. 

In addition to lab and real-world testing, we spoke with medical experts to gather their input on how to choose a toddler travel bed. We spoke to the following experts:

• Anjuli Gans , MD, a pediatrician at Karabots Pediatric Care Center, West Philadelphia
• Lynelle Schneeberg , PsyD, a pediatric sleep psychologist and author

Factors to Consider in a Toddler Travel Bed

• Comfort: As you’ve probably realized when getting a kid to sleep at home, comfort is key. Comfort for some toddlers may mean a favorite blanket, while others require a crib. Parents should consider various must-haves to make traveling easier and smoother when trekking across the country—or a few hours away—with your little one.
• Safety: Dr. Gans recommends researching products on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website to determine their safety and ensure that they haven't been recalled. When purchasing a crib or bassinet, parents of babies should also practice the same safe sleeping rules they implement at home. "Every toddler travel bed has age and weight requirements, so I would definitely check those first and make sure it matches up (with your toddler's age and weight)," she explains. Then, stick to simple beds without all the added features. "The less they have, the better.” Once you've narrowed down your selection to simple beds, make sure there are no bumpers or parts that can potentially trap your baby, and check corner points and sharp corners. "Corner points are sometimes a place where kids can get clothing caught or get injured, so make sure it doesn't have sharp corners," explains Dr. Gans. "And remember that pillows and blankets are still recommended for toddlers age 2 and over."
• Ease of Use: If you need a toddler travel bed that is easy to carry, quick to assemble, and doesn't require much work, then ease of use and portability must be considered when selecting a toddler travel bed. Some toddler travel beds can be assembled using one hand and only take minutes to assemble. That is very helpful if you arrive at a destination with a sleeping or cranky tot . You may want to look for bags that allow hands-free carrying. Another consideration is whether the bed is easy to put in those bags so you don’t find yourself fighting to pack it back in when it’s time to go home. If you are in a situation where you don't have a toddler travel bed, don't worry. "If you are staying somewhere, and they allow you to request a crib, you can pull out the mattress and just lay it on the floor," Dr. Gans adds. "If it's in a safe place for your toddler, then it is perfectly fine. Make sure it is somewhere they can have adult supervision at all times and within eye view, because you may not be able to safetyproof rooms the way you can at home."

How can I keep my toddler in bed while traveling?

A pack-and-play or travel bed with inflatable bumpers (which are not recommended for babies, of course!) can help keep a toddler from rolling onto the floor. You can also bring along some of their favorite items from home to help them want to stay in bed in a strange new place.

"The best thing to do when traveling is to bring along items from the child's home bedroom," recommends Dr. Schneeberg. "Parents can bring along the child's favorite pillow, 'bedtime buddy' (security object), and favorite books, for example. If the child is used to a certain night light or a sound machine , these can be brought along as well."

Can my 2-year-old sleep in a travel cot?

Certain travel cots are appropriate for 2-year-olds, but young 2-year-olds who haven't yet transitioned to a toddler bed may be more comfortable and safer in more crib-like pack-and-plays or travel beds with safety rails.

Can I put my 3-year-old in a toddler cot?

Unless a manufacturer suggests otherwise (usually based on a child's weight or height), most toddler travel cots are appropriate for 3-year-olds who have already transitioned from a crib to a bed.

How much is a toddler travel bed?

A high-quality travel toddler bed will generally cost between $60 and $100, although some can be cheaper, and certain models can cost upwards of $200. Pricier travel beds often come with more accessories and features, although not every family will need extra bells and whistles.

Ambrosia V. Brody is a California-based editor, journalist, and mother of three. She has worked as a professional journalist for more than 16 years. You can find her at the library, Starbucks, or the park with her kids when she isn't writing.

Best Travel Cribs

The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as carrier-of-all-the-stuff a tad easier., by jen labracio.

Traveling with babies and kids can be so rewarding, but there’s one thing you need when you get going: gear. To make things easier, you may want to have a travel stroller (or maybe your usual travel system will work just fine) and a travel car seat , but no matter how lightly you want to pack, your little one will need a safe place to rest. The best travel cribs are super portable to make your job as the baby gear schlepper a tad easier.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best Travel Cribs

• Best Lightweight: Babybjörn Travel Crib Light
• Best Affordable Lightweight: Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard
• Best for Flying: Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard
• Best Affordable: Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard
• Best for Toddlers: Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard
• Most Versatile: UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard
• Most Portable: Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot
• Best for Small Spaces: Bugaboo Stardust Playard
• Best for Car Travel: Maxi-Cosi Swift Playard

In This Article

How we chose the best travel cribs.

• Our Top Picks

What Is a Travel Crib?

Do you need a travel crib, what to look for in a travel crib, babylist’s picks for the best travel cribs, best lightweight travel crib.

Babybjörn Travel Crib & Organic Sheet Bundle - Dark Green

Why we love it.

Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the Babybjörn Travel Crib is one of the lightest travel cribs on the market, making it especially ideal if you’re a family who’s routinely on the go. Top features include an incredibly easy setup (it unfolds and breaks down in one motion, and there are no loose parts to worry about), breathable mesh sides and a firm but ultra-comfy mattress that parents rave about. The mattress and the fabric frame are both machine washable, so it’s easy to clean. And when the crib is folded in its carrying case, it will fit within any airline baggage compartment. Wheels up, with baby in tow!

Keep in Mind

You’ll want to stop using this travel crib around three years old or until your little one is able to climb out of it. But unlike many other travel cribs, there’s no weight limit for the Babybjörn, since the crib’s mattress rests on ground. This means you’ll get more time out of this travel crib than most.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Very happy with this travel crib – lightweight, packable, set up is incredibly easy, and it’s simple to disassemble for cleaning. The thing that set this crib apart for other similar travel-appropriate pack-and-plays for us was the thicker mattress – our 9 month old slept just as well in this travel crib as she does at home. Great product, we would highly recommend!” -BH

Additional Specs

Best Affordable Lightweight Travel Crib

Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard - Dove

A lightweight travel crib is a sound investment if you’re a family who’s frequently on the go or if you plan on using it for multiple children, but many cost upwards of $300, especially after you add on accessories like sheets. Chicco’s Alfa Lite is a stellar lightweight travel crib but is about half the price of other similar options. And don’t worry—you won’t be sacrificing on features or quality. It weighs 13 pounds, is easy to open and close, folds down into a zippered carrying bag (with a large shoulder strap) and even has a zip-down side for easy access to your little one.

The Alfa Lite is Greenguard Gold Certified. Some parents mention that the mattress is on the thinner side.

“This travel playard is perfect. The design is sleek and the safely measures are advanced. The side opening zipper is buckled to the leg so no little hands can magically unzip themselves. The mattress pad also gets buckled in place. It took seconds to set up and take down. The travel playard makes your life so much easier while traveling and doesn’t take up much of any space in the car. 100/10 recommend buying!!!” -Sophia K.

Best Travel Crib for Flying

Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib & Play Yard

If you’ve ever traveled with kids, especially via plane, you know the value of having one less thing to tote around. Meet the Lotus: the travel-crib-turned-backpack that no traveling family should leave home without. This ultra-lightweight crib folds seamlessly into a compact, backpack-style carrying case, leaving your hands free to deal with the other 142 things they’ll be tasked with for attempting to leave the house with your littles in tow. (This feature comes in especially handy in airports.) We also love the unique zip-down “door” feature of the crib’s mesh side—it makes getting down on baby’s level for cuddles, feeding or play super easy, then quietly zips back up and locks into place.

Like the Babybjörn Travel Crib, the Guava’s mattress is flush to the ground, meaning there’s no weight limit usage recommendations here, either. Some parents report that the mattress is fairly thin, however.

“The Lotus crib is one of the best products we have. It is lightweight, folds and assembles in just a few snaps, and has mesh sides. The fabric comes completely off and is machine washable.” -Kristin

Best Affordable Travel Crib

Graco Pack 'n Play Portable Playard - Reign

If you’re looking for simple, sturdy travel crib that will stand the test of time but won’t break the bank, this Pack ‘n Play from Graco fits the bill. Although it’s basic, the features are anything but—there are a ton of things that you (and your little one) will love. We especially appreciate the sturdy frame, the roomy area for play and sleep and the push-button fold for quick and easy breakdown. And at around $70, this travel crib is perfect for using as an extra playard around the house and for keeping at the grandparents’ house or anywhere else you know you’ll be visiting on a regular basis.

You can’t attach any extras to this travel crib, like a bassinet or changing table. And some parents complain that the mattress is on the thin side, so that may be something to consider if you’re planning on using it for more than just the occasional weekend away. It’s also fairly heavy, so you won’t want to use it if you’re traveling by plane or anywhere else where you’ll need to carry it around frequently.

Best Travel Crib for Toddlers

Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard - Grey

As your baby grows into a toddler , many parents still need the safety that the confines of a crib provide—especially while traveling. But what happens when your toddler is too big for their travel crib but too little for a bed? Enter the Newton. The mattress is about two times larger than most travel cribs, making it ideal for an older toddler who may be sized out of a smaller playard. It’s also 100 percent breathable and washable, made with the same Wovenaire technology used in the brand’s much-loved crib mattress. It’s flush to the ground, so there’s no weight limit, and it’s super comfy and GREENGAURD Gold Certified.

The playard weighs in at about 17 pounds, so while it’s not the lightest on the market, it’s still fairly easy to travel with and the weight is for a good cause. Assembly and breakdown are easy and the crib comes with a travel bag for easy storage. And it’s not just for the toddler years; there’s a bassinet insert for use from day one. Oh, and when you are ready to graduate your toddler from the travel crib, check out these great toddler travel beds .

Because of the Newton’s larger sleep space, it’s a bit bulkier than some of the other travel cribs on our list. The travel bag only has a handle, not a shoulder strap or backpack straps. And the crib is too large to store in the overhead compartment of an airplane

“I despise traditional pack n play style things. Newton’s playard is innovative and will definitely grow with a child from infancy through the preschool years! My 4.5 year old can still sleep in it comfortably with plenty of space. I really appreciate the thought that went into this product.” -Mona

Most Versatile Travel Crib

UPPAbaby REMI Travel Crib & Playard - Charlie

And speaking of multifunctional products, the Remi from UPPAbaby is the best choice if you’re looking for an all-in-one travel crib and playard to use both at home and when you’re on the go. There’s a ton of functionality built in to this smartly designed (and beautiful) playard. It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and includes a removable bassinet, a zip-down side panel, a triple layer air mesh mattress and a smooth, simple fold that takes one hand and only a few seconds. There are also lots of accessories to add on. A few of our favorites include the changing station , organizer and canopy .

The Remi is expensive, and even moreso when you start adding on accessories. It’s also fairly heavy, weighing in at about 20 pounds. This isn’t a big deal if you’re planning to use it mostly at home and for the occasional overnight trip, but if your family travels frequently and you need to bring along a place for your baby to sleep, it may not be your best option.

“Incredibly easy to set up. Our baby just started crawling and we don’t have a good play yard set up yet, so this was great to put him in a for the meantime. We purchased it instead of a Graco pack and play because of the zipper access and mattress quality. Love it!!!” -Rachel

Most Portable Travel Crib

Aeromoov Instant Travel Cot - White Sand

Pop-up tent meets travel crib in the Aeromoov. This 11-pound playard works just as well for a day at the beach or the park as it does for an overnight at grandma’s and is our top pick if you’re looking for one piece of gear you can use both indoors and out. The origami-style fold takes about two seconds (literally), and once it’s folded down, the whole thing slips into a bag and is less than five inches wide. It’s easy to stash for travel or throw over your shoulder and carry if you need to bring it along for an outdoor adventure. (There are also lots of useful accessories available like a sunshade and a mosquito net.) Another feature we love: there are two levels, one upper level bassinet-style for newborns up to about two months and a the main lower level for older babies and toddlers.

If you’re using the crib indoors and your little one moves around a lot, the fabric makes a “swishing” sound that’s a bit loud.

Best Travel Cribs for Small Spaces

Bugaboo stardust playard - grey melange.

Simple, streamlined and seamless. The Bugaboo Stardust is one of the smaller travel crib + playards on our list, but it packs a big punch. Unlike most travel cribs that open from the center of the base and feature fold-out legs, the standout feature here is the accordion-style fold. It makes it quick and easy to open and close by either pushing or pulling each side. You can even fold the Stardust with the mattress still inside—a pretty big deal and a huge time-saving (and sanity-saving) feature.

The Stardust weighs about 14 pounds and has a compact design that’s ideal for spaces that can’t handle a giant playard, either at home or when you’re on the go. There’s also a bassinet attachment for younger babies, a really comfortable mattress and all-around mesh panels.

The maximum weight limit for the Stardust is similar to the other travel cribs on our list, but because of smaller size, your little one may outgrow it in height sooner than they would with other playards. It’s also on the pricier side.

“I’m a first time mom and it feels like I have tried all the baby products out there. We were in the market for a new pack n’ play so I recently purchased this for my 5.5 month old and it is a game changer when it comes to portability and ease. I’ve found other products like this are bulky and difficult to store, but the Stardust is slender, lightweight and unfolds in one second. (No exaggeration.) I would highly recommend this product for travel, sleeping or playtime - in fact, we’re looking forward to traveling with it over the holidays!” -AlexT

Best Travel Crib for Car Travel

Maxi-cosi swift play yard - classic graphite.

Weighing in at just over 18 pounds, the Maxi-Cosi Swift is too heavy and bulky for regular air travel. But it’s also quite a bit lighter than many of the standard playards on the market, so we still wanted to consider it for our best-of list. That’s why think it’s an ideal choice if you’re a family who travels frequently by car. While you won’t want to lug it around on the regular, it’s easy enough to load and unload from any vehicle. And the setup and breakdown? It’s an actual dream, especially during travel when you have 14 other things to do after you set up your little one’s sleep space. Parents rave about how easy it is—it actually folds in one step using only one hand. Other pros to love include a super sturdy design, a comfortable mattress and a bassinet attachment that comes included at no extra cost.

As noted above, the Swift weighs about 18 pounds, so it’s not the lightest travel crib of the bunch, but isn’t the heaviest, either.

“We have tried a handful of play yards and the difficulty of putting them down and back up is what always frustrates us. The swift is truly like no other. It takes less than 5 seconds to set it up and less than five seconds to break it down. Not only is it so easy but it’s also so aesthetically pleasing!!” -Momof3

• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many travel cribs.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

A travel crib is a portable crib you can use for sleep or play when you’re away from home with your baby or toddler. While you can use most playards for the same purpose, travel cribs are specifically designed with travel in mind; they’re lighter, more compact and easier to set up and break down than your average playard. Travel cribs generally accommodate newborns to toddlers about three years old.

Whether or not you need a travel crib depends on how often you travel and where you’re heading on your next adventure.

Many hotels and even some rental homes may supply a travel crib. Using a baby gear rental company is an option, too. But if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t supply a crib, you don’t want to rent or you simply prefer to be in control of what your baby sleeps in while you’re away, investing in a travel crib is probably a good idea.

Besides being a place to rest, travel cribs are also a safe place for your little one to play, especially when you’re away from your usual surroundings and potentially dealing with a non- babyproofed space. (We’re looking at you, sharp table corners and exposed electrical sockets.) You can even use some travel cribs as a napping spot on days spent at the beach or park.

Travel cribs can be expensive. A travel crib is also something you’ll use for years, especially if your family travels frequently. Think through these features before you buy.

• Weight. This is one of the most important features to look for in a travel crib. A lightweight travel crib is easier to lift and carry than a heavier option. To figure out if this is important to you or not, think through how often you’ll be traveling and which modes of transport you generally use. Do you travel infrequently and often by car? Plan to use your travel crib only for a trip to the grandparents’ once a year? Then your travel crib’s weight may not be hugely important to you. Are you planning several trips by plane where you’ll need to bring your travel crib along? Then the weight of the travel crib you choose should jump to the top of your priority list.
• Size and portability. Similar to weight, the size and overall portability of your travel crib are important features, but also dependent on how often you travel and how you get wherever you’re going. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll want a travel crib that’s not only lightweight but portable, too. Look for a compact crib and something that has either backpack straps or another easy way to carry it through someplace like an airport or train station. If not, however, a slightly larger travel crib or one that doesn’t come with built-in carry straps may be just fine.
• Longevity. How long you’ll be able to use your travel crib is a big factor to consider while shopping. One thing to consider is the crib’s design. Although not outwardly labeled this way, there are two basic types of travel cribs: cribs with raised mattresses and cribs where the mattress lies flush with the floor. Most travel cribs with raised mattresses have weight maximums. This means that if you have a larger, heavier child, they may exceed the travel crib’s weight long before you feel comfortable letting them sleep in a regular bed or even a toddler travel bed while you’re away from home. Travel cribs where the mattress sits directly on the floor, however, often do not have weight maximums. While your little one still may outgrow the crib by height, these types of travel cribs often can be used for a longer period of time.
• Ease of breakdown and setup. Travel with babies and toddlers is no easy feat. Look for a travel crib that sets up and breaks down quickly and easily so you can spend less time grappling with gear and more time enjoying your vacation.
• Materials and breathability. Look for a travel crib with a breathable mattress, breathable mesh sides and one that’s made from soft, comfortable materials. If it’s important to you, you may prefer a travel crib that’s GREENGUARD Gold Certified or uses organic materials. Removable and machine washable sides and covers are also nice-to-have features in case of a mess.
• Budget. Travel cribs can get pricey, especially if you want one that’s extremely lightweight and portable. Thinking through how often you’ll be traveling and what types of features will make the most sense to you can help you determine your budget.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

Best Portable Baby Bed for Travel: 11 Best Travel Cribs for 2023 (Tried, Tested & Researched) + 1 to Avoid

Make travel with a baby or young kids easier with the best portable baby beds and baby travel cribs of 2023. This is a tried, tested, and researched list of the 12 best travel cribs to keep your little one safe and comfortable while away from home.

11 Best Portable Baby Bed & Baby Travel Bed in 2023 (Newborn to 3 Years Old)

Top 5 picks.

• Lightweight and compact, with its own easy to carry bag.
• Easy to setup and takedown quickly.
• Sturdy construction that sits well, without tipping or wobbling.
• Comfy mattress that is comparable to the Guava Lotus and better than many other pack and play mattresses.
• Breathable, with mesh fabric around the sides to allow airflow.
• From a known brand with a strong history of safety and quality.
• Machine washable, including the mattress cover.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified textiles.
• Durable carry bag with heavy duty zippers and straps
• Carrying case converts to a backpack, giving you another way to carry it when you're at the airport or transferring locations in country
• Side zipper door is great for babies who fall asleep in their parents arms or strollers, and need easy access to be transferred to their travel crib without (hopefully) waking up
• Comfy mattress for baby (a waterproof mattress, at that!) with low VOCs
• Very lightweight, weighing in at only 15 pounds (including travel bag), and manageable for many adults to carry it
• Extremely fast set-up, on par with the BabyBjorn travel crib
• 360 degree mesh sides ensure excellent airflow, a huge plus in hot destinations
• Free from harmful chemicals and materials, including no PVC, fire retardant chemicals, lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, arsenic, mercury, or cadmium.
• Greenguard Gold certified
• Bassinet compatible, although it comes at an extra charge
• Great resale value when you're done with it
• No upper weight limit, given that it's a floor resting mattress
• Super lightweight, just 7.5 pounds when in "cot mode" stored in the the travel bag or 11.5 pounds for all modes
• Polyurethane foam free, using a unique baby-safe air mattress
• Easy to fit in a suitcase for travel, reducing stress of possible damage when checking your travel crib
• Includes play pen and crib mode, as well as stand alone bassinet and bedside sleeper adaptation
• Oekto-Tex certified fabric
• Optional mosquito net
• Easy to open and close/collapse with only one hand needed to push open and take the down frame
• Comes with a carry bag
• Newborn attachment (bassinet) included in the Breeze Plus
• Can use both the Breeze Go and Breeze Plus from birth with newborns and as baby grows
• Included flip changer for quick diapering and clothing changes (Plus only)
• Bassinet and changer are easy to attach and detach
• Excellent quality materials and construction from a known and trusted brand
• Fire retardant free
• Mesh sides for adequate airflow and visibility
• Modern and sleek looking, with neutral colors that will look good in any space
• Lighter than most pack and plays (although not as light as a travel crib)
• Super easy way to provide a safe space for your baby when you need to put them down for a bit
• Comes with a bassinet insert, unlike most travel cribs where you have to buy the bassinet as an extra purchase
• Quality travel carrying case will stand up to abuse from airlines, and convenient when you want to store it away
• Mattress sits on a fabric panel base, not on the floor like many travel cribs
• Suitable from newborn to age two
• Convenient pop-up system sets up in seconds
• Incredibly sleek and compact, with a modern design that’s unobtrustive
• New to the market, and meets latest safety standards
• Bugaboo is a trusted and beloved brand
• Strong sustainability goals and policies from Bugaboo
• Mesh sides for increased airflow

What is a Lightweight Travel Crib or Travel Bassinet?

A lightweight travel crib or travel bassinet provides a safe, comfortable place for a child (newborn to age 2 or 3) to sleep while away from home.

The most basic of them are essentially a super lightweight and portable pack and play or bassinet. However, some also come with additional features, such as a bassinet insert for newborn babies, or a side panel that can be zipped open for easy access to little ones.

Some portable baby beds can also be used at home, in lieu of or as a bedside bassinet or bedside sleeper for the first year of life. Generally speaking, they’re well suited to families living in small spaces vs using a full crib , or for families who want a portable baby bed they can move around their home or take with them when they travel.

Different Types of Travel Cribs

Which travel crib you ultimately buy should be somewhat determined by the type of portable baby bed you need. Are you traveling across town or are you flying across the world ? Do you plan to mostly transport it in your own car? Or will you be relying on planes, trains, automobiles or ships/boats?

For an all round lightweight travel crib, my top picks are the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light and the Guava Lotus Crib – they’re ultra easy to set up and collapse again, and they pack up small enough and are light enough to actually travel with them.

If you’re planning to mostly stick local, and you simply want a portable baby bed that works for moving around your home, and then getting packed up in the car to go to the grandparents house or on a bit of a road trip, the BabyBjorn and the Lotus travel crib will work. However, I also really like the Bugaboo Stardust , Uppababy Remi , and the 4moms Breeze Go or Plus for this purpose, and they both have the added bonus of not having floor-sitting mattresses. Both are extremely easy to set up and pack away in the carry bag, and are very portable for this style of travel (in your own car), although less appropriate in my opinion if you’re flying somewhere, and even less so if you’re country-hopping or city-hopping.

Finally, there is the travel bassinet style of portable baby bed. The Bugaboo Stardust , Uppababy Remi , AeroMoov , Phil & Teds Traveller , and 4Moms Breeze Plus all come with a removable bassinet insert for newborns and young babies . The Guava Lotus has the option to purchase a travel bassinet attachment or insert.

Alternatively, you can purchase a purpose-built travel bassinet, such as the Chicco LullaGo, which works at home and when you’re away.

Why Buy a Portable Baby Bed or Baby Travel Crib?

I’ve travelled both with and without our own baby travel bed, and after both experiences, purchasing our own portable travel crib was well worth it when travelling with a baby or toddler under the age of two to three years old.

So why is it worth it to invest in your own travel crib or portable baby bed?

• It offers a familiar sleeping environment for your little one , even when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. While I wish all kids were great travellers, in truth it comes down to a case-by-case (or kid-by-kid) basis. Anything parents or caregivers can do to make the unfamiliar more familiar when on the road or sleeping at a friend’s or family member’s house is likely to help everyone get a good night’s sleep. That includes familiar fitted sheets, their own crib (which they’ve slept in before), and the same sleep sack you use at home, plus any extras like the same white noise, if you use it.
• It reduces first come, first serve stress at hotels and resorts. Most hotels have a first come, first serve policy when it comes to borrowing baby gear on vacation. While it may work out just fine, there’s always a chance you’ll show up at the hotel, only to find they don’t have a crib or pack n play for you to borrow. Additionally, having your own baby bed means you control how well it is maintained, cleaned, etc.
• It lets you put baby to sleep immediately upon arrival . On trips when we have relied on borrowing a hotel crib, there have been times when we’ve arrived with an exhausted, screaming child only to have to wait 30 minutes to an hour before the hotel staff are able to get their baby bed to our hotel room. When we travelled with out own travel crib? Instant bedtime when we arrived.
• It’s cheaper to have your own travel crib in some countries. This isn’t applicable to all hotels, resorts, or destinations (Switzerland…cough, cough…Liechtenstein), but we’ve visited some countries where it was standard to charge €30 per night to rent a baby bed from the hotel! For a 10 day trip, that would have added up to €300. Since we were traveling with our own baby travel bed, we skipped that cost and were able to re-sell our BabyBjorn travel crib after the trip for excellent re-sale value.
• If offers more flexibility in terms of hotel vs holiday apartment rental . Since having a kid, we’ve found a holiday apartment rental often offers us more suitable amenities (a microwave, in particular) for longer stays than a hotel. The problem? Most holiday apartments don’t offer a suitable baby bed, and if they do, it’s impossible to know if it adheres to safety standards and proper maintenance. Bringing your own travel crib fixes that

Personal Experience & How We Chose The Best Travel Crib: Parent Tested Travel Cribs and Baby Travel Beds

Of the 12 best travel cribs I’ve chosen for this article, I’ve personally owned and tested 5 of them: the 4moms Breeze Go / Plus , Bugaboo Stardust , BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Lotus Travel Crib , and the Phil & Teds Traveller travel cribs.

I have yet to personally try the KidCo PeaPod , AeroMoov Instant , Chicco Alfa Lite cot , Chicco LullaGo Bassinet , UppaBaby Remi , or Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard . I included these recommendations solely based on my research.

12 Best Portable Baby Beds & Baby Travel Crib (Newborn to Age 3) + 1 to Avoid

Babybjorn travel crib light (best overall [tie] & best for most families).

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 9 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 7 Washability & Cleaning: 10

My pick for the best overall travel crib, and the best travel crib for most families and most short trips, I’ve personally tested the BabyBjorn travel crib light on a 6 country European trip, as well as in my living room.

Weighing only 11 pounds, the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light is incredibly easy to set up and put away. It conveniently folds down into a high quality carry bag that’s easy to carry and fit in small spaces (such as on trains or in taxis), and is durable enough to withstand being transported as checked luggage.

The mesh sides allow ample airflow and 360-degree visibility of your child, and there’s no maximum weight limit given it’s a floor-sitting mattress. It also uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, so you know your baby isn’t sleeping on a surface with harmful chemicals. It is also fire retardant free .

The BabyBjorn fabric is also very easy to wash, and dries faster than some other travel cribs I tested, including the Guava Lotus and the Bugaboo Stardust.

Deciding between the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light vs Guava Lotus Travel crib for the best portable crib for travel was an impossible choice, and in testing they largely held their own against each other across the different testing criteria.

In truth, they’re both excellent choices, and best suited to different types of trips. Based on my experience and testing, the BabyBjorn is best suited to most vacations, whereas the Lotus Travel Crib is better suited to really off the beaten path travel. Whereas the Lotus Travel crib will also do well on most vacations (a trip to a resort, a trip to Europe, etc), the Babybjorn wouldn’t do as well on off the beaten track trips, such as 3 months backpacking around SE Asia (the Lotus is a better choice for that style of travel due to the backpack system for the travel bag).

Both would be well suited for use at home and on short trips to visit family or friends as well.

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Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Playard (Best Overall [Tie] and Best for Off the Beaten Track Travel )

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 10 Ease of Use: 9 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 8 Washability & Cleaning: 9

Guava Family’s Lotus Travel Crib (aka the Everywhere Crib) is my other choice for best crib for traveling parents, whatever “travel” means to your family.

As with the BabyBjorn, it’s incredibly lightweight (15 pounds for the Lotus vs 13 pounds for the BabyBjorn ) and fits well in its travel bag, although I will say I had to do a bit more wrestling to get it into it’s carrying case compared with the BabyBjorn.

A standout feature of the Guava Lotus is the convertible straps on the travel case. You can either carry it with a handle or convert it to a backpack with shoulder straps, which I found comfortable enough to wear even as a very short person (I’m 5 foot tall). This makes this travel crib well suited to off the beaten track travel or budget backpacking-style trips, where you may be opting for cheaper modes of transportation and need to carry it longer distances on your own.

Other features of the Guava Lotus that the BabyBjorn doesn’t have include an optional bassinet (sold separately), which is handy if you have a newborn, and a zip down side panel. The side panel offers easy access to a newborn for nursing or sliding into the crib when asleep (when not in bassinet mode), and offers older babies the freedom to come and go from the playard during the daytime if they’re at the crawling and exploring stage.

While the Guava Lotus doesn’t use Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, it is Greenguard Gold certified (a certification that means it’s low VOC, specifically) and is also free from fire retardant chemicals.

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Phil & Teds Traveller (Lightest Travel Crib)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 10 Ease of Use: 7 Mattress Pad: 7 Quality & Durability: 8 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 9 Washability & Cleaning: 7

The Phil & Teds Traveller crib is the most compact and lightest weight travel crib I’ve used, and I’m generally a fan of it, with some caveats.

Being extremely lightweight is the outstanding feature on the Traveller crib. It weighs just 7.5 pounds when it’s in “cot mode” in its travel bag – significantly less than other lightweight travel cribs such as the Guava Lotus or the BabyBjorn travel cribs . Want to bring everything in the travel bag (cot and playpen mode, bassinet mode, and bedside sleeper mode)? It’s still only 11.5 pounds, including the bag.

When we traveled with our Phil & Teds Traveller crib (we tested it over a period of 6 months while traveling through 5 countries on 8 flights, 1 road trip, and in 3 Airbnbs and 2 hotels, as well as at home), we put it in our suitcase rather than carrying it separately.

With the different “modes,” the Traveller is also the most versatile of portable baby beds. It includes a standalone bassinet, an adapted bassinet that lets you use it as a bedside bassinet sleeper, a cot, and a playpen with side zipper door for older toddlers.

While the weight and the versatility are highlights of this product, it comes with a trade-off in terms of ease of use and mattress comfort. It sets up with a tent pole type system, so isn’t as fast to put together or take down as the others on this list. It also uses a self-inflatable mattress, which worked well for us when travelling with an under-1, but some parents feel it’s too firm for older babies/toddlers (our daughter always seemed to have a comfortable sleep on it for what it’s worth).

The Phil & Teds uses Oekto-Tex certified fabric, and doesn’t have a polyurethane foam mattress, which is quite unique among travel cribs and pack and plays. Unlike many of the other travel beds on this list, Phil & Teds makes an optional mosquito net available to purchase – great if you’re heading somewhere where malaria, zika, or dengue fever is a concern.

4moms Breeze Go (Best for Trips Across Town and Road Trips)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 6 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 7 Washability & Cleaning: 6

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Lotus Travel Crib , and Phil & Teds Traveller are all well-suited to going on a proper vacation by airplane.

The 4moms Breeze Go isn’t particularly well-suited to a vacation requiring air travel, but it’s a great portable baby bed to use closer to home, moving around your own home or throwing it in your car for an interstate road trip or trip across town to visit friends or family.

The 4moms Breeze has two models: the Go and the Plus . The Go and Plus are built on the same sturdy frame, but the Go is simply a playard without accessories and add-ons, and the Plus comes with a bassinet and changing table attachment.

The big highlight of the 4moms Breeze is how easy the frame is to set up and take down. I can do both in seconds. It has mesh sides for airflow and visibility, is fairly lightweight (23 pounds) as far as proper pack and plays go (vs lightweight travel cribs) and fits well in the storage bag.

In my opinion, the extra weight for the Breeze (23 pounds) vs the Phil & Teds (7.5 pounds) or BabyBjorn (13 pounds) makes the Breeze less suitable for a vacation where you’re flying, or need to hop from city to city or country to country. The travel bag itself isn’t particularly durable or suited to being checked as luggage (my old Breeze was checked on a short flight to LA, and got quite ripped in transit).

However, as far as true pack and plays are concerned, it’s quite light and it is so so easy to use. I think this is a great portable crib for moving around your house or throwing in your car to visit a friend or family member on holiday, and it’s something you’ll use at home and on the road, making it great value.

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Bugaboo Stardust Travel Crib (Best for Small Spaces)

Ratings Based on Our Testing: Portability: 7 Ease of Use: 10 Mattress Pad: 9 Quality & Durability: 10 EcoFriendly & Non Toxic: 8 Washability & Cleaning: 9

Another incredibly easy to open and fold pack and play, the Bugaboo Stardust has a narrower footprint than many travel cribs and pack and plays, making it a great option if you need to use it in a smaller space, such as small apartment, hotel room, or tiny house.

At 25″ wide, it’s the narrowest among my top choices for the best baby beds for travel by at least 5″. It’s also shorter at just 38.8″ long.

In addition to being incredibly easy to use and taking up a small footprint, the Bugaboo Stardust is sleek and looks great.

As with the 4moms Breeze , I don’t think the Bugaboo Stardust is particularly well suited as a baby travel bed for airplane travel, based on my testing and experience with it.

The travel bag is quite large, and the sum of the dimensions suggest it wouldn’t qualify as standard size luggage for most US carriers (note: airlines are often gracious with new parents with stuff like baby travel beds and other gear, but you’ll never know if that will be the case until you arrive at the airport and speak to a gate agent).

This is also a difficult travel bed to use for shorter parents. I am 5 foot tall, and can’t reach the playard floor when I bend over my Stardust. Further, the travel bag is challenging to carry due to my height, as it drags on the floor unless I hoist it up and keep my elbow bent, which isn’t comfortable for too long.

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KidCo PeaPod Prestige (Best for Camping)

Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds, KidCo’s PeaPod Prestige offers an alternative to a travel crib. Functioning more like a pop up tent, the Prestige is a new addition to KidCo’s PeaPod lineup of products, designed to offer your little one at little more space and head room.

KidCo markets the PeaPod as an indoor/outdoor baby bed, and as such it has some smart features that you might want to use when camping or using outdoors. For one, it’s fully enclosed, with the mesh sides allowing for the usual air flow and visibility, as well as keeping bugs out. The fabric also offers some UV protection.

There’s also a sun shade system , which you can roll up out of the way and lock in place with straps that close using a snap-like system using magnets.

On the plus side, however, it’s incredibly lightweight and fits in a suitcase while stored in it’s own storage bag. I also like how the mattress pad actually sits under the pod, so there’s no loose fabric inside the pod itself.

On the downside, the PeaPod isn’t designed for use with a newborn: KidCo lists the age range from 6 months to 4 years old (on their website) or 1 year to 4 years (on one of their videos about the product).

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AeroMoov Instant Travel Cot (Alternative #1)

Another pop up style travel cot, the Aeromoov Instant opens instantly (as the name would suggest), similar to how the PeaPod opens. More importantly? It closes easily, too.

Weighing in at just around 5kg (~ 11 pounds), it’s not the absolute lightest, but the ease of use is high. It also comes with a bassinet mode, which zips in at a higher level for easier access to the youngest babies up to 6kg (13 pounds).

One thing I love about the AeroMoov is they sell optional accessories including a sun shade and mosquito net. Most pack and play manufacturers advise parents not to use third party accessories with their products, as they may not be safe. However, they then don’t make the accessories parents want, such as mosquito nets and sun shades. That’s not the case with AeroMoov, since they actually make and sell a number of practical accessories.

The AeroMoov also folds away into a travel case with shoulder strap, making it easy to transport. I unfortunately have yet to try this one myself, so I can’t comment on how easy it is to carry or transport.

Overall, the AeroMoov looks like an awesome travel crib, and I expect I’ll rate it quite highly when I have a chance to try it in person. As I haven’t personally tested it yet, it’s in my “alternatives” section for now.

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Chicco Alfa Light Lightweight Travel Crib (Alternative #2)

This is another travel crib I’ve yet to try myself, but would really like to test out, as it has some great features lacking on alternative products.

Most interestingly, the mattress pad on this crib has a removable, washable cover that comes with when you purchase it. This is lacking in most of the other products on the market, which means the mattresses can stain quite easily over time, and get generally pretty gross if you’re not diligent about cleaning your playard .

It also has a zip-open side, similar to the Phil & Teds and Guava Lotus .

In terms of portability, the travel bag on this crib looks quite lightweight, similar to the 4moms Breeze carrying bag. I’d hesitate to send it as checked luggage on an airplane without an additional, heavier duty bag to protect it from rips and punctures.

Weighing in at 13 pounds, it’s comparable to similar lightweight baby travel beds. Finally, it has Greenguard certification (Gold), which I always appreciate.

Chicco LullaGo Travel Bassinet (Alternative #4)

The Chicco LullaGo portable bassinet is a great option for the youngest babies, and is something you can use at home, and then take to go if you travel to a grandparent’s house or hotel. The carry bag seems too lightweight to use for checked luggage, and I’d suggest this product is best for mostly using at home, with occasional travel. Greenguard Gold certified.

Uppababy Remi (Alternative #5)

Uppababy is one of the leaders in making non toxic baby gear, and the Remi is a great option if you’re looking for a non toxic play yard for home and travel.

Like the Phil & Teds Traveller , the Remi avoid polyurethane foam mattress with a foam-free air mattress that is washable and comes with an organic cotton cover. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified.

Included in the Remi is a zip-on bassinet, and the play yard also has a size zip door similar to the Phil & Teds and the Guava Family Lotus , making this a great option for all ages and stages (until they outgrow it and it’s time to stop using a pack and play).

In terms of portability and traveling with it, Uppababy sells a travel safebag for the Remi. If you buy and use the bag while traveling, Uppababy will cover any damage caused by the airlines while in transit via their TravelSafe program (you have to register your trip in advance).

At 20 pounds, it’s certainly not the lightest travel crib. And I wouldn’t take this with me on a round the world trip, or even country hopping through Europe. However, for a multi-use pack and play that you can use at home, and confidently check with an airline (via the Travel Safe program) on an occasional trip? I think it’s a great option!

Graco® Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard (Alternative #6)

Graco’s Pack ‘n Play® On The Go™ Playard is another solid option for using mostly at home, and taking on the occasional trip. Weighing just over 21 pounds, and with a carry bag that doesn’t appear to be heavy duty, I’d recommend this for road trips rather than airplane trips. However, the price is enticing, especially if you’re only taking 1 or 2 trips per year.

Which One Don’t I Recommend? The Dream on Me Travel Light Playard (Alternative #3)

At first glance, the Dream on Me Travel Light Playard looks like a more affordable version of the BabyBjorn travel crib . In fact, it looks pretty much the same to a casual observer, and it’d be quite easy to buy this product, thinking you’ve scored a deal.

Unfortunately, the Dream on Me Travel Light Playard isn’t intended for sleeping. It’s only meant to be used for play, making it an extra piece of luggage to take on your trip – and you still need to find somewhere safe for your baby to sleep.

In my view, parents are better off purchasing one product that can be used for play and sleep, which is why I don’t recommend the Dream on Me Travel Light as a travel crib (since…it isn’t actually a travel crib!).

Things to Consider When Shopping for Travel Cribs

Portability when travelling.

In theory, bringing your own portable baby bed or portable crib will make your life easier when you’re on vacation. In actuality, not all travel cribs are super convenient to transport.

Important criteria include the size and weight of the travel crib, whether if fits in carry-on luggage or standard-sized checked luggage, and how well designed the carry bag is for parents of different sizes and shapes.

My top pick for portability when traveling is the Guava Lotus travel crib , followed closely by the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light . The Phil & Teds Traveller scores better on portability than either the Guava Lotus or the BabyBjorn, so if you really need light and compact, consider the Phil & Teds. However, I prefer the Guava and BabyBjorn due to the fact that they score better overall on other criteria.

Ease of Use

Ease of use includes how easy it is to setup and fold down, how well it can be put away back into its carry bag.

My top picks for ease of use are the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light and the 4Moms Breeze Go / Plus . The Bugaboo Stardust and Guava Lotus are both close followers – they are super easy to set up and tear down, but require a bit more wrestling to get back into the travel bag.

I think there are some others on my alternatives list that would likely score high on ease of use, based on my research. Namely, the PeaPod , AeroMoov , and Chicco Alfa all look quite easy to use. However, as I haven’t personally tried them I can’t confirm or offer a direct comparison to the 5 products I do have personal experience with.

I will, however, caution particularly short parents against getting the Stardust. I am 5-foot tall, and struggle to bend over my Stardust play yard and reach the play pen floor. I think it’s an excellent choice for average height and tall adults to use, but for us petite-in-height parents, it’s not the best choice based on my personal experience.

Mattress Comfort

Believe it or not, pack and play mattress pads are supposed to be firm, just as a baby’s crib mattress needs to be firm , especially during that first year. However, pack and play mattresses are firm and quite thin, leading some parents to wonder whether they can make their pack and play pad more comfortable .

Don’t do this! They are meant to be thin for safety, and you shouldn’t add any additional padding into the pack and play. You also shouldn’t replace the original mattress that comes from the manufacturer with a different one, and you should only use pack and play sheets meant for your model, sold by the same manufacturer (not normal crib sheets !).

Of my top 5 best travel cribs, all of them have fairly comparable mattresses in terms of comfort based on a side by side comparison, except for the Phil & Teds Traveller (which is firmer than the others, being an air mattress).

The BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light , Guava Family Lotus Crib , Bugaboo Stardust , and 4Moms Breeze Go / Plus all have fairly comparable mattresses from a comfort point of view.

Washability and Dry Time

Dry time is important with a travel crib or other portable baby bed, because it’s likely your only safe option for baby sleep when you’re in a different place. If your baby has a vomit explosion (as mine often did when traveling) or a diaper disaster, you might want to give the whole thing a wash, and give it time to dry, before the next nap.

I tested washing and dry time on some of the most popular travel cribs, and found the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light offers the shortest dry time when compared to the Guava Lotus and Bugaboo Stardust . All 3 washed well, but the BabyBjorn dried faster than the others I tested: important when it’s time to get baby back in the bed for nap time!

Non Toxic and Eco Friendly Travel Cribs

It’s always my preference to purchase baby gear that is free from harmful chemicals such as PFAS chemicals, fire retardants, VOCs from polyurethane foam, and others.

Some of the travel cribs I’ve included on this list fit the bill, and others don’t. When one of the baby beds listed has notable features in terms of being non-toxic or eco-friendlier, I’ve pointed it out in the description.

Of note, the BabyBjorn travel playard uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, and the Lotus travel crib is Greenguard Gold certified. The Bugaboo Stardust follows the EU’s REACH standards, and Bugaboo has a well-thought out sustainability program and is doing important work in its push to become carbon neutral.

Both the Phil & Teds Traveller and the UppaBaby Remi avoid polyurethane foam mattresses by using baby-safe air mattresses.

Bed Size and Weight Limit / Age Range

Most play yards top out at a consistent weight limit, around 30 pounds . However, some of the floor-sitting mattresses (BabyBjorn, Guava, Phil & Teds) don’t have an upper weight limit.

In my personal experience, your child is likely to age out of using these portable baby beds before they hit the weight limit. They’re more likely to get too tall, or start trying to climb out of the crib , making it unsafe to use. Once your little one is consistently standing in their pack and play , you’ll need to pay close attention to ensure it’s still safe to use, and consult your user manual.

Travel Bed Safety Guidelines

• Always check with your user manual and the manufacturer to ensure the pack and play is rated for sleep in the country you buy it in. I’ve done my best to ensure the information above is correct, but things can change, and you should check before letting your baby sleep in it.
• When you purchase a new travel crib or portable bed for baby sleep, register the product with the manufacturer to ensure you’ll be notified if there are future recalls. While I don’t recommend purchasing used, if you do, check the recall list beforehand.
• Follow all safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics while using a travel crib or portable bed for baby.
• Consult your user manual or instruction manual for safety guidelines, including correct usage, when to discontinue use, and how to ensure safe use.
• Set it up away from windows, loose cords (such as those used in hotels for blinds and curtains), electrical cords and tripping hazards, heat sources, etc.
• Be sure you understand whether your model is safe for supervised sleep (i.e. during the daytime when an adult is awake) or overnight sleep (i.e. the adult is asleep).

A baby needs a safe sleep environment for every sleep, including a firm mattress, and its own place that is approved for overnight sleep. A travel crib or travel bassinet approved for overnight sleep is a suitable option for traveling families.

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The 7 Best Toddler Travel Beds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 20 toddler travel beds to find the most safe, secure, and comfortable options.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Traveling with kids is an incredible experience, but also a challenging one — for everyone involved. And sleep can be the most challenging aspect of the experience. New environments present toddlers with distractions, temptations to explore when they should be sleeping, and at worst, safety risks. Having the right sleep setup can make the whole experience more enjoyable, and for many parents, this means investing in a dedicated travel bed for your toddler.

The ideal one should be easy to set up and break down, comfortable to sleep on, and above all, safe. We tested 20 toddler beds in a range of styles for their ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value, and will continue testing them over the next six months. Our top picks to suit any type of travel are here.

As you’re perusing our picks and choosing your own toddler travel bed, remember: the actual sleep surface is just one component of better sleep while traveling. Keeping [a] routine is important too, says Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Trying to incorporate a regular bedtime routine can be helpful as maybe the exact sleep surface/surroundings will be different, the routine will be familiar,” says Dr. Murray. “Bath, brush, book, bed is a great routine (bath might not happen every night, and that is OK!).”

Keep in mind that the picks below are for toddlers and up (at least 1-3 years old). “All infants (up to one year) need to be in their own safe sleep space,” says Dr. Murray. “For travel purposes, this will be some type of crib/travel crib. Nothing inflatable.” Remember to consider the age and developmental needs of your individual child when selecting a travel bed, and to make sure any product you use adheres to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety standards .

Best Overall

Jetkids by stokke cloudsleeper.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

This bed’s built-in pump is unique and user-friendly, with no potentially dangerous loose parts.

The product is pared down by design for safety and portability, which means it doesn’t boast any luxury features for the higher price tag.

The JetKids by Stokke CloudSleeper earned our top slot for its unique design and ease of use. While many travel toddler beds come with an external air pump, this one features a hidden pump built into the mattress that’s operated by hand or foot — ideal if you’re traveling somewhere without easy access to power outlets. Setup took a little longer during our testing than the one minute boasted by the brand, but we still had it inflated and ready to go in less than five minutes. The one-piece mattress has a removable and machine-washable cover and a water-repellent bottom, and we felt like the whole mattress would hold up well to spot-cleaning.

Stokke is known for its kid-friendly travel products; the brand’s ride-on suitcase and in-flight bed is the best we’ve seen. While the CloudSleeper isn’t designed to be used during air travel, it is small and light enough to fit inside your carry-on. This model is pricier than many options we tested, but its high-quality design and easy setup make it our top choice.

The Details: 59.1 x 29.5 x 6.7 inches (open) | 15 x 11 x 4 inches (packed) | 3.1 pounds | Nylon mattress with polyester cover | Ages 3 years and up; up to 149.9 pounds

Best Inflatable

Eltow inflatable toddler bed.

 Amazon

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

The mattress and bed frame inflate and deflate quickly and easily.

The bed gives off a strong plastic smell when it’s first unpacked.

Inflatable mattresses can be a headache to set up without a high-functioning pump, especially when you have a tired and cranky toddler waiting in the wings. The Eltow Inflatable Toddler Bed comes with an effective pump, and had one of the easiest setups of all the models we tested. The mattress and the inflatable “bed frame” were both ready to go in less than five minutes, although we did note that a setup partner was helpful to keep the mattress from losing air after the pump nozzle was removed.

This model’s mattress and “frame” with bumpered sides are two separate pieces, which makes it easy to tuck a crib sheet around the mattress. The removable mattress piece also means it’s easy to access all corners of the vinyl frame to wipe it down after messes or before storing. We did notice a strong plastic odor when the bed was unpacked, so we recommend airing it out before using it for the first time.

The Details: 63 x 40 x 12 inches (open) | 10 pounds | Vinyl, velvet | Up to 310 pounds

Most Durable

Hiccapop inflatable toddler travel bed.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Ease of Cleaning 4.5 /5

The bed’s double plug and included patch kit make it extra resistant to leaks.

The secure double plug can also make it tricky to inflate.

One major disadvantage to inflatable mattresses? They have a tendency to puncture or lose air overnight. At best that leaves your toddler uncomfortable on a hard floor; at worst, it can be a safety risk if the mattress’s sides trap your child. This Hiccapop model impressed us with its durability and thoughtful features meant to prevent leaks. The bed has a secure double plug, which is very resistant to curious little fingers and unlikely to spring open on its own during the night. (Important to note: the secure plug also makes the bed trickier to set up than some.) It also comes with its own patch kit, so any punctures that do occur can be quickly sealed off.

This bed’s inflatable “frame” is thoughtfully designed, with bumpers on all four sides and a handle for moving it from room to room while inflated. The vinyl material is easily wipeable, and the plastic odor on first use is milder than many models we tested. Overall, this bed is a durable option and a great value.

The Details: 62 x 39 x 12 inches (open) | 8 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Up to 310 pounds

Best for Car Travel

Enerplex kids inflatable travel bed.

The high-speed pump with a car adaptor makes this bed a versatile choice for car travel.

When packed, this bed is heavier and bulkier than most models.

The EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Travel Bed is our pick for car travel, when size and weight are less of a consideration but comfort is still key. Although this bed is bulkier and heavier than most when packed, it’s incredibly easy to set up, and easy to fold back up and pack into its included carry bag. The high-speed pump is a game-changer — we didn’t need the included directions for setup, and the bed inflated quickly. The pump also comes with a car adaptor, making it a great option for camping.

Like many inflatable mattresses, this bed has a plastic odor and needs to be off-gassed before use. The two-piece bed wipes down easily and the mattress is durable: the bed didn’t shift or deflate during our sandbag test. Because this mattress is on the heavy side when deflated, it’s best for older toddlers who are less likely to be pinned down if it unexpectedly loses air.

The Details: 66 x 44 x 13 inches | 12.3 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride | Ages 3 years and up; up to 150 pounds

Best Pop-up Crib

Babybjörn travel crib light.

• Durability 5 /5
• Portability 4.2 /5
• Design 5 /5

We love this stylish travel crib for its easy setup and durability.

The price point may not be affordable for all families.

If you’re traveling with an infant or a younger toddler, or if keeping your child contained in a new space is your top priority, a travel crib is your best bet. We love the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light for its easy setup and durability. It took us less than two minutes to set up, and once set up, the bed is extremely secure and stable. The crib legs lock into place, and the mattress attaches to four corner straps to keep it from shifting.

Unlike some portable cribs, this one is very easy to clean. The exterior fabric and the mattress cover can be removed from the frame and machine-washed, and the rest of the bed is easily wipeable. Although this travel bed option isn’t as compact as an inflatable mattress, we found it surprisingly light. When packed into its included carrying case, it fits easily in a standard car trunk. This crib is significantly pricier than other similar options, but its durability means it can be used for multiple kids and handed down.

The Details: 32 x 44 x 24 inches (open) | 19 x 23.5 x 5.5 inches (packed) | 13 pounds | Polyester, polyether foam, painted steel | Ages 0-3

Best Lightweight

Hugbino inflatable toddler bed.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Ease of Use 4 /5

This mattress is extremely portable and light when packed.

Setup requires two people to keep the mattress from losing air before it’s sealed off.

Inflatable mattresses can feel bulky and unwieldy when deflated and packed, but at just over six pounds, this Hugbino portable mattress is lightweight and extremely portable. The mattress comes with its own pump, and is easy to assemble in less than five minutes. We did find that inflating the mattress was easiest with two people — otherwise it was a challenge to close the nozzle plug before air started escaping. Like many toddler beds, this one has bumpered sides to keep little ones from rolling off during the night; these bumpers are slightly lower than some models, so if you have an incredibly active sleeper, you may want to consider bolstering the sides with additional pillows or stuffed animals for security.

We also found it just as easy to store as it is to set up: the mattress packs easily into its included carry bag. This bed’s small footprint when packed and light weight make it a great option for stashing at a frequent travel destination like grandma’s house.

The Details: 63.6 x 42.5 inches (open) | 6.6 pounds | Vinyl, faux suede | Up to 100 pounds

Best Folding Mat

Milliard toddler nap mat.

• Portability 4 /5

This memory foam mat is an extremely comfortable naptime option.

The case for this mat has to be purchased separately.

For a quick naptime solution, or for travel destinations where durability is key (like camping), a foldable mat is a great choice. This memory foam mat from Milliard is a light and comfortable option for toddler sleep. The mat comes with a removable bamboo cover that can be machine-washed, and the mat itself can be spot-cleaned as needed. It folds up easily and stacks nicely, but since it doesn’t deflate, it’s not as compact as an air mattress and does take up storage space. Milliard sells carrying cases for this mattress, but they need to be purchased separately.

Because this mat is memory foam, it needs 48 hours with all zippers open to reach its highest comfort level before using it for the first time. The process is worth the wait, however, as we found this to be one of the more comfortable options for naptime we’ve seen.

The Details: 58 x 24 x 3 inches (open) | 24 x 19 x 9 inches (packed) | 8.9 pounds | Polyvinyl chloride, CertiPur certified foam | Ages 3-6

Other Toddler Travel Beds We Liked

These toddler travel beds did not make our final list yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Pillow Rest Raised Airbed : This bed is durable and comfortable, and the price is hard to beat. But because it’s built like a standard twin bed — it’s on the large side, with no bumper or sides — it’s better suited for older kids versus toddlers.

Guava Baby Lotus Travel Crib : We loved the Guava’s attractive and easy-to-use carry bag. However, it is heavy when packed, and we were torn on the usefulness of the zippered opening in the side, which makes the bed less secure for mobile toddlers. Ultimately we preferred the setup and breakdown on the similarly priced BabyBjorn model.

The team spent a day in our New York City lab, putting 20 toddler beds to the test. We tested for ease of use, portability, ease of cleaning, and overall value, rating each category on a scale of 1-5 and selecting top choices based on their scores.

To get a sense of how easy these products would be to use with a cranky toddler on hand, we practiced setting up each bed one-handed, watching a timer closely — then did the whole thing in reverse and broke each bed down. Testers laid down on the beds, weighted them down with sandbags, and evaluated their durability. They considered the hidden nooks and crannies on each bed that might become filled with crumbs or worse, and evaluated how easy it was to get each one spic and span again. Our testing is ongoing for an additional six months to ensure each bed stands the test of time when used by actual children, too.

Tips for Buying a Toddler Travel Bed

Consider your toddler’s sleep needs.

The most important consideration when choosing a toddler travel bed is your individual child’s sleep style and needs. If your child is an active sleeper and tends to roll off of surfaces, you’ll want to choose a bed that has higher bumpers to keep them on the mattress. And if your toddler is a wanderer, you may want a fully contained space like a travel crib to keep them safe. If you can, try to approximate your child’s home sleeping environment as closely as possible. If they’re still in a crib at home, purchase a crib for travel; if they’re using a convertible toddler bed with a railing and high headboard, look for a travel bed with a similar cozy feel.

Balance comfort with packability and safety

A plush, soft sleeping surface might seem like a recipe for better sleep, but when it comes to traveling with a toddler, simpler is usually better. A thinner inflatable mattress, for example, will not only pack down smaller, but will be safer if it malfunctions and deflates on your child overnight. “Remember, many of the inflatable mattresses are made from thick or stiff material that a toddler might not be able to push off of themself,” Dr. Murray notes. “The thinner or more standard mattress size inflatable mattresses are better for those 1-3 years of age.” And most packable cribs have thin mattresses for a reason: a firm sleeping surface is safest for younger kids. “You want to choose something that is sturdy but has the normal safety features of a relatively firm mattress and stable sides,” says Dr. Murray.

Match size, weight, and age recommendations to your child

Most travel toddler beds have clear recommendations for age range and maximum height and/or weight for use. Pay close attention to these guidelines and match them to your child, but use your own judgment as well to ensure you’re choosing the safest option. Although most inflatable mattresses are designed for ages 3 and up, some will claim to be suitable for any age. If your toddler is on the younger side or moves around a lot while sleeping, you’ll want to avoid mattresses altogether — even those that claim to be safe for littler ones — and opt for a portable crib-style bed.

Factor in your final destination

Another crucial consideration when you’re purchasing a toddler travel bed is what type of environment you’re traveling to. “Are you staying in a hotel room, which is usually pretty sparse but might have loose or stray electrical cords? Or are you staying at grandparents' where there may be stairs that aren't protected by a baby gate or other low hazards since the house might no longer be child proof?” Dr. Murray notes. Travel locations with more potential hazards might require portable cribs or mattresses that better contain your toddler, whereas a fully childproofed friend’s or grandparent’s house might offer more flexibility for your toddler to roam and explore.

Where you lay your child down to sleep while traveling will heavily depend on the age and needs of your child, your family’s preferences, and your travel circumstances. Some families choose to bring a dedicated bed for their toddler when they travel, while others prefer to co-sleep or use available extra beds at your destination (i.e., pullout sofas or cots). Also consider the sleep environment that works best for your child: do they need a dark, quiet room, or are they more comfortable within earshot of hustle and bustle in the house? Whatever sleep setup you choose for your toddler, make sure they’re in a safe, supervised location and adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for safe sleep.

Toddlerhood spans a whole range of developmental stages — technically a toddler is anywhere from 1 to 3 years old. There’s no hard and firm age when a child becomes ready for a toddler bed, but you should consider where they fall on the spectrum of toddlerhood. “Those who are still close to 1 year old will need an environment that is more crib-like,” Dr. Murray notes. “A 3-year-old will have more escape skills and perhaps more interest in wandering, but can likely be safe in a hotel bed or pull-out couch.” Always consult the age limits noted on any toddler bed to make sure the manufacturer recommends it for your child’s age.

You may not be in the habit of wiping down your full-size air mattress after every set of overnight guests, but trust us, you’ll want to clean your toddler travel bed frequently. Luckily, most products have accounted for this, and include either removable covers, wipeable surfaces, or both. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before purchasing to make sure the bed’s washability suits your needs, and follow instructions closely when cleaning to ensure the bed lasts.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Mandy Harris is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure , and has vetted hundreds of parenting products over the last decade. For this story, she analyzed in-house testing insights, manufacturer details, and her own experience as a frequent toddler wrangler to determine the best toddler beds for every type of travel.

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7 Best Baby Travel Beds for Comfort & Convenience (2024 Reviews)

Traveling with an infant can be a daunting endeavor. From baby supplies, feeding accessories, and multiple outfit changes a day, packing for a trip can often feel a bit overwhelming. However, you can rest easy knowing these options have you covered for safe infant sleeping. Whether you’re planning to stay in a hotel, AirBnB, or simply visit family, the most important aspect of your holiday planning is ensuring your little one has a comfortable place to rest. Luckily, there are numerous baby travel bed options available that can fit your sleeping arrangements, from crib-like options, to co-sleepers, to foldable bassinets. This selection of the best baby travel beds lend themselves to plane, train and automobile rides. No matter how you plan to get from point A to point B, you’ll find the perfect fit for your family’s needs so you can take one thing off your vacay planning prep list.

Best Baby Travel Beds

1. joovy gloo infant travel bed, (best option for indoor or outdoor sleeping — $$).

Why it’s great:  Designed to be dew-resistant and bugproof while offering UPF 50 sun protection, this baby travel bed is the ideal option for indoor and outdoor sleeping. Tested and approved for infants 6 months to 5 years dependent on size, this is the ideal travel bed for adventurous families. The self-inflating sleeping pad and washable cover means it’s easy to keep clean in any environment.

Keep in mind:  The mesh sides of this baby travel bed allow for safe breathability for your smallest family member. However, this means there is limited light blocking so ensure you have a dark space set up for your little one to snooze peacefully.

Good for:  Families who like to go camping with their babies.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Lotus Travel Crib

(highest quality for all travel sleeping — $$$).

Why it’s great:  At only 11 pounds, this is one of the lightest baby travel cribs on the market. The backpack straps make it ideal for hauling through airports or train stations. Made from BPA, phthalate and lead-free materials, you can rest assured that your infant is not breathing in any chemicals. The thick, soft foam mattress is approved for infants from birth to three years old, so you’re sure to get a lot of bang for your buck.

Keep in mind:  Given the compact size of this crib, the carrying case is on the small side and it can be difficult to put the crib back into the backpack.

Good for:  Babies of any age to have a safe sleeping environment.

3. Realer 3 in 1 Diaper Bag Backpack Travel Bassinet

(best budget option — $).

Why it’s great:  The ultimate multi-tasker, this incredible travel bassinet is seamlessly part of a diaper bag that carries all your other infant necessities. The 3-in-1 backpack is multifunctional as a diaper bag, travel bassinet and changing table. It’s large capacity and wide-open design ensure you have everything you need in one place.

Keep in mind:  Some buyers noted it was occasionally difficult to assemble and disassemble the bassinet to fit perfectly back into the backpack after each use.

Good for:  Parents who only want to carry one bag.

4. Graco Pack ‘n Play Close2Baby Bassinet Playard

(best all-in-one option — $$).

Why it’s great:  While the Graco Pack n’ Play is great for traveling, it also functions perfectly as a long term sleeping solution for infants from birth until they reach the weight and height limitations. The portable and removable bassinet is perfect for the smallest of family members, while the changing table is convenient for all diaper-wearing babies. The option to elevate and lower the mattress allows this baby travel bed to grow with your child.

Keep in mind:  At a little under 30 pounds, this baby travel bed option is heavier than some others so it works best for longer trips.

Good for:  Families going on longer trips and want a permanent sleeping solution.

5. Snuggle Me Organic Bare Baby Lounger

(best for supervised co-sleeping — $$).

Why it’s great:  Made from organic, non-toxic and hypoallergenic fabric, the Snuggle Me Organic, is the perfect option for babies with sensitive skin. It’s unique design has soft sides that hug your baby to provide a sense of security. Made for newborns to babies up to 9 months, this option will last you through the infancy phase.

Keep in mind:  This option is designed as a baby lounger, with some buyers advocating for it as a co-sleeping travel bed. Make sure to use this item with supervision.

Good for:  Co-sleeping families when there is limited space for an additional sleeping area.

Get a quote in less than 30 seconds at LadderLife.com ➜

6. BabyJoy Baby Bedside Bassinet

(best bedside option — $$$).

Why it’s great:  The BabyJoy Bedside Bassinet is the perfect solution to families who like the idea of co-sleeping without having to share their space. The ability to drop a side bar allows the bassinet to be stationed safely next to an adult bed. The iron and aluminum frame makes this option ultra-stable, while the carrying case means it’s a breeze to use at home and on the road.

Keep in mind:  The interior of the bassinet offers baby an ample amount of space. Some buyers found it to be oversized and therefore took up more space than necessary.

Good for:  Babies who sleep best with someone closeby.

7. Dream On Me Travel Light Playard

(best lightweight option — $).

Why it’s great:  At around 13 pounds, the Dream On My Travel Light Playard is the best option for families on a budget who are looking for a playard that’s easy and light to carry. The lightweight frame and easy assembly makes this an all around win for having a safe space for your baby. Free from harmful allergens, the fabric and mesh are both durable and safe for your little one.

Keep in mind:  This model is advertised as a playard, so be sure to check with your pediatrician that it can be used for safe sleeping depending on your baby’s age, height and weight.

Good for:  Overpackers who don’t want to add much extra weight to their luggage.

Joovy Gloo Infant Travel Bed

The Joovy Gloo Infant Travel Bed is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

FAQs about Best Baby Travel Beds

1. how do i know which baby travel bed is best for my family.

Before looking for a baby travel bed, decide what sleeping arrangements work best for your family at home. Determine whether co-sleeping, bassinet sleeping, or bedside sleeping work best with your infant and select travel beds that most closely resemble this set up. Traveling means a new routine and environment for your baby, so having a sleeping setup that’s similar to home will help ease the transition.

2. What should I look for in a baby travel bed?

Safety is the number one priority when looking for a travel bed. Ensure your baby travel bed is approved for sleep, which will most likely include breathable materials and a firm, sturdy mattress. If you’re not sure, run your sleeping arrangement by your child’s pediatrician for additional peace of mind.

3. What are the size requirements for a baby travel bed?

The size requirements for baby travel beds are not standardized, so read through the fine print of your selected baby travel bed to guarantee it’s the right size for your little one. Make sure to check both the weight and height requirements, as well as the age range it’s designed for.

4. How do I travel with a baby travel bed?

Before purchasing your baby travel bed, check the measurements both when closed and when fully assembled. While some may come with a carrying case, others may have a handle or strap that makes traveling with it easier. If flying or taking a train, contact the airline or train company regarding their policies on infant accessories to make sure your chosen baby travel bed is in compliance.

5. What accessories do I need with a baby travel bed?

Most baby travel beds recommend you do not add any additional accessories, such as soft pillows or extra mattresses, to their travel beds to ensure safe sleeping. Check with your particular baby travel bed option on what sheets or items are recommended. Most baby travel beds will provide the specific products that work with their items to guarantee a safe sleeping environment for your little one.

Although preparing for a trip with an infant can feel like a mountainous task, this selection of baby travel beds takes one major decision off of your to-do list. These baby travel beds provide easy assembly and require no additional accessories other than an occasional sheet. With differing styles and capabilities, you can be sure to align your travel sleeping arrangements with what you have at home so your little one can sleep peacefully with their current routine. Whether you’re looking for a baby travel bed that is lightweight or an option that comes with a carry case, there are a myriad of styles designed for whatever your travel plans may entail.