Best Travel Cribs 2024 – Forbes Vetted

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

With a lightweight design and easy setup, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is the best overall travel crib. Its compact size and robust travel bag make it easy to store in the car or check with your luggage, so a safe sleep solution is always available. Set up and take down takes just a few minutes. The price falls in the mid-range for a travel crib, but you are also paying for the reliability of the BabyBjörn brand, which is synonymous with durability and quality. Parents like the modern design that comes in neutral colors, unlike other brightly colored baby equipment. 

Because the mattress is floor-supported, there is no child weight limit. However, there is a height limit of 35 inches or when the child can easily climb out independently. 

What parents say: “After testing and using several different travel cribs, I’ve found that the BabyBjörn is definitely the easiest to set up an take down,” say Forbes Vetted commerce editor Margaret Badore, who has a 2-year-old son. “The packed up shape is wide and flat compared to the Guava Lotus crib—so one drawback is that you can’t bring it onto the plane with you, but I’ve checked the BabyBjörn on several flights without any issues.”

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

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

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

What parents say: “You can bring the Guava Lotus on the plane as a carry-on,” says Badore. “And although the BabyBjörn is slightly faster to set up, I found that setting up the Lotus is still very easy and intuitive to set up and pack up.”

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

With a price tag of just $50, the Pamo Babe Portable Travel Crib is one of the most affordable on the market. It’s easy to set up and has a spacious interior for your baby to sleep or play in, while the mesh siding allows for four-way airflow and maximum visibility. A down-padded mattress offers temperature control, so baby is less likely to overheat. The 33 pound weight limit allows parents to use it through toddlerhood.  

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

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

This portable bassinet provides the security a newborn needs to sleep (or rest). The travel bassinet sets up in seconds, and its compact form lays flat for storage and can even fit in a large suitcase—a huge plus when traveling with a newborn. The wipeable surfaces make cleaning easy for those inevitable spit-ups or diaper blowouts, and a shaded canopy blocks light. It should be placed on a stable, flat surface.

However, keep in mind that the weight limit is just 15 pounds, and it’s not recommended for babies once they start to push up on their hands and knees. That means it’s an option for the just the first few months of your baby’s life, and the manufacturer recommends that you stop using after your baby is 3 months old.

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

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

Traveling with little kids means your hands are full—just like your car when it’s loaded up for a long road trip. So, being able to open and set up this travel bed with just one hand is a huge plus. This travel bed, which is designed for kids between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, pops into place after unzipping from its folded size, and it’s ready to use right out of the box—no assembly required. The compact size makes it easy to slip into your car, even when it’s fully loaded with other gear.

Parents love the roomy interior, which allows older kids to sit up and play after waking up. The mesh cover provides 50% UV protection. Keep in mind that for this to be considered a safe place for children under the age of 1 to sleep, it must be placed on a firm, flat surface that kids can’t roll off of—like the floor.

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

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

Getting a baby to sleep is hard, and getting a toddler to sleep is even harder, especially when you’re away from home. This sturdy travel crib is a great option for older kids who need a bit more room. The zip-open side panel allows older children to crawl into bed themselves, encouraging independence and keeping positive bedtime routines in place even when traveling. Along with all the general safety seals of approval, the Alfa Lite comes with a Greenguard Gold Certification, ensuring lower chemical emissions from plastics and materials. 

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

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