Part of the trouble new parents face regarding travel is largely due to the inability to accommodate for their baby. Well, new parents, fear travel no more. With a portable crib, you can be sure your baby has a safe, comfortable place to rest his/her head no matter where you decide to take a trip. We’ve analyzed the various portable crib models on the market and compared them with one another to provide an informative list of characteristics to help you find the perfect crib for you and your child’s needs.
By comparing features such as construction material, durability, added accessories, etc., we’ve been able to tangibly make the distinction between worst and best portable crib on the market. Only the best will do when it comes to the safety and comfort of your child. Read on to discover the best portable crib for your child’s days on the road!
Our Top Choices for Portable Cribs
- Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard On the Go Portable Crib
- Removable, full-size bassinet
- Playpen changing station
- Airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- Price: See Here!
- MiClassic Rock&Stay Bassinet 2in1 Portable Crib
- 1 Second open and fold system
- Two modes: rock and stationary
- Breathable, see-through mesh
- Price: See Here!
- Graco Travel Lite Portable Crib with Stages
- Height adjustable bassinet
- Portable crib converts to playard
- 20% smaller than traditional playards
- Price: See Here!
Best Portable Crib Reviews
- Removable, full-size bassinet
- Nest bassinet style
- Playpen changing station
- Wipe-clean fabrics
- Airy mesh on all sides for maximum ventilation
- Wheels for convenience
- Entire product dimensions: 29″ H x 28.5″ W x 40″ L
Review
The first crib on the list is the best portable crib for grandma’s house, or any relative for that matter. The Graco Pack ‘n Play is a great portable crib because of the ease of breaking it down and setting it up. Its multifunctionality also makes it the best portable crib for air travel. There are two conveniently placed wheels on the head end of the crib that allow for easy mobility.
Customers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the functionality and ease of use of this Graco portable crib. It’s said to take virtually no time to break down and set up.
- Doubles as changing station
- Wheels
- Nest bassinet provides ultimate comfort
- N/A
Conclusion
The Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard On the Go is the best portable crib option for those who travel frequently with their children. Its multifunctionality also makes it one of the most convenient models available on the market.
- 1 Second open and fold system
- Rock mode
- Stationary mode
- Breathable, see-through mesh
- Folds and fits in included carry bag
- Entire product dimensions: 23.8″ H x 37.4″ W x 28″ L
Review
The next best portable baby crib is the MiClassic Rock&Stay Bassinet 2in1. The feature that separates this model from the pack is its multifunction legs. The crib’s legs have rotatable peg-like feet at the bottom that allows the crib to sit firmly or to rock back and forth slightly, hence the “2in1” descriptor. The crib also takes on a calm, neutral, light gray color.
Past users tout the easiness of setting up and folding down the crib. A repeated sentiment among customers is the spaciousness of the MiClassic crib. Additionally, others note its simplistic yet efficient design.
- Two modes: rock and stationary
- See-through mesh for a child’s visibility
- Comes with carrying bag
- Folding and unfolding is very easy
- Large bassinet space
- N/A
Conclusion
The MiClassic Rock&Stay Bassinet is perfect for those in need of small portable cribs for babies. With the super simple unfolding method, this crib can be broken down and packed in seconds for when you’re crunched on time!
- Height adjustable bassinet
- Portable crib converts to playard
- 20% smaller than traditional playards
- Compact folding for transport
- Lightweight material
- Entire product dimensions: 32.2″ H x 33.5″ W x 23.2″ L
Review
Coming in at the three spots is one of the best portable cribs for newborns, the Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages. This Graco model allows you to adjust the crib depending on your child’s experience and readiness. The mattress can lay on the bottom of the unit on be suspended around the middle of the crib in a removable nest bassinet piece. It also has a hood for shading that can optionally be raised.
Reviews from consumers have this model appearing to be a top-notch product on the market. Aside from noting that there are no sheets for the mattress, the bassinet playard receives nothing but praise from its using parents.
- Weighs less than 20 lbs for easier transportation
- Doubles as a playard and crib
- Adjustable stages (maintains its value for longer)
- Suitable sheets only made by Graco and they’re polyester
Conclusion
One of the best portable cribs for infants, the Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages is a great option for having the crib maintain its value the longest. By having adjustable orientations and multifunctionality, the crib holds use for your child longer than a typical crib may.
- Sets up in 15 seconds
- Compact, light backpack carrying case
- GreenGuard Gold non-toxic certification
- Full-height, breathable mesh walls
- Quiet, side zipper door (zipper opening on an exterior wall)
- Comfortable mattress (sturdy for ages 0-3)
- 2 Year warranty
- Entire product dimensions: 25″ H x 35″ W x 42″ L
Review
Perhaps the safest portable crib on the market is the Guava Lotus Travel Crib taking the fourth spot. Its heightened safety standard has much to do with its base sitting directly on the floor, as opposed to the cribs previously mentioned which all hang above the ground. The crib also has a large interior space, allowing your child to move more freely and comfortable inside the mesh walls.
Similarly to the previously reviewed cribs, consumers have hardly any words that aren’t positive regarding the Guava Lotus Travel Lite Crib. Parents love the ease of portability as well as its spaciousness.
- Safe, on-ground design
- Non-toxic materials
- Zipper side door for access to your child
- Comes with 2-year warranty
- Carrying backpack is compact and easy to travel with
- Somewhat large and space filling when setting up
Conclusion
In addition to being one of the safest portable cribs, this Guava Lotus Travel Lite crib is also one of the best rated portable cribs on the market. With improved safety and space for your child to catch his/her z’s or play, this crib is tough to beat!
- Includes casters (legs’ wheels) for easy mobility
- Folds flat for transport and storage
- Mattress included
- 2 Position, mattress height adjustment
- Strong, sturdy wooden construction
- Entire product dimensions: 37.25” H x 39″ W x 25″ L
Review
The crib leading into the midway point on the list is the Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib. This crib is also among the best portable cribs for grandparents as its super easy to fold and store. This crib assumes a more traditional aesthetic with white barred sidewalls instead of mesh walls and folding plastic legs. The foldability of this model isn’t so much to compact the crib for carrying as it is to store it. Being that the sidewalls compress instead of having folding legs, this model would be rather difficult to carry around place to place.
This portable crib has made many satisfied customers. Past consumer reviews mention nothing besides how great of a space saver this crib is. They also rave about the adjustable height of the mattress.
- Has four wheels
- Folds flat for storage
- Adjustable mattress height
- No carrying bag
- Legs don’t fold
Conclusion
Quite possibly the best portable mini crib available, the Delta Children Folding Crib is great for leaving at a relative’s home or for your own home where you don’t wish for the crib to occupy space 24/7. Its simple folding design has it ready to be compacted and rolled away to storage in seconds!
- Simple to set up and fold down (no loose parts)
- Safe, breathable mesh sides
- Included mattress
- Fabric easy to remove and machine washable
- Mattress suited for children 0-3 years old (no upper weight limit)
- Entire product dimensions: 32″ H x 44″ W x 25″ L
Review
The next crib, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light, is the best portable crib for toddlers. This model is similar to the Guava Lotus portable crib in shape and form. This means that instead of a suspended mattress, the unit’s bottom sits directly on the floor which adds a bit of safety to the crib. It sports a light gray look that’s suitable for nearly every environment. Its design is simple yet effective at providing comfort and space to your child.
Interestingly, many consumers who have reported about this unit have also made the comparison to the Guava Lotus Travel Crib, stating its similarity to the BabyBjörn model. Like that model, consumers love this portable crib and even give it more credit than the Guava model for speed of set up and fold down.
- Safe, on-ground design
- Spacious
- Super lightweight
- Mattress cover materials made from polyester
Conclusion
The BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is ideal for those looking for a simple solution to comfort and a safe space for their toddler when traveling. With its ease of use and simplistic set up and fold down, it’s ready for use or ready for packing at a moment’s notice!
- 50% Larger than most traditional playards
- 10 Square feet of play space
- Edge to edge mesh windows
- Maximum child height: 35″
- 2 Year warranty
- 100% Cotton fitted sheet
- Travel bag
- Entire product dimensions: 31″ H x 39.8″ W x 39.8″ L
Review
This next portable crib on the reviews list is similar to the crib mentioned at the start of the list. Like the Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard, the Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard has a set of wheels on one end of the crib with supporting legs serving as the stabilization on the opposite end. Although, this crib by Joovy differs from the Graco model in a major way. The Joovy is square in shape, nearly doubling the amount of usable space for your infant/child.
Consumers tout the efficient design of the crib and its durability. Additionally, customers love the space it provides their toddler to comfortably play around in.
- Larger square footage than most playards
- Comes with a travel bag
- 2 Year warranty (longer than many competitors)
- N/A
Conclusion
The Joovy New Room2 Portable Playard is another phenomenal option for those looking for a portable crib for their toddler-aged child. With the Joovy, your child receives all of the benefits of a proper crib as well as additional space to move and explore his/her humanness.
- 2 Position full-size folding crib
- Mattress pad included (mattress sold separately)
- Solid pine construction
- Converts to crib or playpen
- Folds flat for compact storage or travel
- Stationary rail design
- 4 Locking wheels
- Entire product dimensions: 38″ H x 40″ W x 26″ L
Review
This next crib model takes us to a so far unexplored area of the reviews: full-size portable crib reviews. The Dream on Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib is nearly identical to the Delta Children folding crib reviewed at number five in form and function. Similar to that model, this unit by Dream on Me doesn’t have foldable legs but instead sports compacting sidewalls that allow the unit to flatten for transport and storage.
A good majority of past users of this crib note its simplicity and its usefulness. They call it just perfect, giving you everything you need and nothing that you don’t.
- Locking wheels
- 2 in 1 crib and playard
- Mattress not included
- Only compacts flat and does not fold for easy carrying
Conclusion
The Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib is a crib that’s perfect for storing at a relative or friend’s place for your visits. Additionally, it’s great for having a crib accessible in parts of your home where you don’t wish for the crib to remain at all times.
- 2 Position full-size folding crib
- Mattress pad included (mattress sold separately)
- Solid pine construction
- Converts to crib or playpen
- Folds flat for compact storage or travel
- Stationary rail design
- 4 Locking wheels
- Entire product dimensions: 38″ H x 39″ W x 25.8″ L
Review
The Dream on Me 2 in 1 Lightweight Folding Portable Stationary Side Crib is a great non-toxic portable crib and is almost identical to the Dream on Me model reviewed just prior at the eight spots. The major difference between the two is finish color and size, with this Lightweight model being slightly smaller, and thus, weighing less.
Similar to the other Dream on Me model, this unit is known for its space saving and remarkable usefulness. Additionally, it’s noted as being easy to fold.
- Locking wheels
- 2 in 1 crib and playard
- Mattress not included
- Only compacts flat and does not fold for easy carrying
Conclusion
The Dream on Me 2 in 1 Lightweight Folding Portable Stationary Side Crib is again a great option for storing at another person’s home for your convenience. Also, being non-toxic it’s perfect for those worried about the safety of their child when coming into contact with its materials.
- 2 Fastening straps provided for attaching to parents’ bed
- 7 Different height adjustments
- Easy-open side panel for bedside mode
- Suitable from Birth to 5 months
- Maximum weight: 33 lbs
- Mattress included
- Entire product dimensions: 32.7″ H x 36.1″ W x 24.5″ L
Review
The final product in the best portable, foldable crib reviews is the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib. This crib, unlike any of the prior-reviewed models, is designed to sit directly next to a bed. This way, parents can easily tend to their child at night and when the child is in need of assistance. The crib is situated high off of the crib, sitting on top of two sets of wheels. This portable crib is intended for newborn children and as such is likely the best portable sleeper for a baby.
New parents are greatly satisfied with this bedside sleeper. Many mothers enjoy the ease of access to their newborn child for feeding in the middle of the night as well as tending to their unsettled baby.
- 7 Different height adjustment levels
- Easy-open side wall for access while in bedside mode
- Mattress included
- Only suitable up to 5 months old
- Bassinet high off the ground
Conclusion
The Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper is definitely in a class of its own when it comes to portable cribs and sleepers. This unit is not only mobile and thus ready to move at moment’s notice, it’s also highly convenient for parents to tend to their children during sleeping hours!
Tips on Choosing the Best Portable Crib
- Have a use in mind:
When you first begin to shop for a portable crib, you want to have an intended use in mind. For instance, do you intend for this crib to stay in one location but need it to be storable? Do you plan on bringing the crib with you frequently to travel? The answers to these questions will help you decide which type of crib is best for you and your child’s needs.
- Choose a specific folding style:
This next tip ties directly into the previous one. Once you’ve narrowed your intention for a new portable crib, you should easily be able to decide which type of folding or compacting style will be the best fit. Some models, as we’ve discovered here in the reviews, fold up neatly into a carrying bag, making them ideal candidates for heavy travel. Other models simply compact but don’t fold, making them easily storable but not easy to carry around with you.
- Ask peers/read reviews:
Asking your peers and others you know with children what kind of experiences they’ve had with portable cribs is an easy way to gain access to information. If you can’t find anyone with any good tips, don’t be afraid to go online and read reviews on each product you may be considering for your child. In addition to reviews, you might be able to find some parent-focused forums with information regarding portable cribs. Jump right in with your questions and hope for some responses!
Having the best portable crib is necessary, but don’t forget to check out those great baby monitors for twins with night vision, wireless connection, and more features for your kiddo safety and security.
Also if you live in house or apartments with stairs or with any child-dangerous places check our list of best baby gates to prevent accidents with your loved ones.
Making Decision
In conclusion, the best portable crib for your child is one that will fit your infant/toddler for an extended period of time and will easily set up and break down for easy, quick travel. There is no best style of the crib is that there are multiple styles intended for multiple purposes.
The cribs that sit the mattress directly on the floor are probably the best cribs for your toddler to use for playing in addition to resting. However, which crib is best ultimately boils down to the places you intend to bring the crib and how you intend to use it.
For the traveling parents, the portable cribs that fold into a carrying bag are likely the ideal option. For those who need an additional crib to pull out at the grandparents’ or another relative’s home, the compacting style cribs that do not fold up are likely your best bet. Regardless, the options on the market are phenomenal and they’ll all serve you well. So what are you waiting for? Get your new portable crib today.
