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Whether you have a family trip coming up, need something for the occasional overnight visit, or are shopping for a baby registry, a good travel crib is essential. Sometimes called playards, these foldable contraptions offer a secure place for your child to sleep or play when you’re on the go.
According to neonatologist Michael H. Goodstein, MD, FAAP, they’re “a safe alternative to a crib, as long as the product is consistent with the mandatory guidelines established by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).” But, beyond safety considerations, not all portable cribs are created equal.
Travel cribs vary by size, weight, features, and functionality. We tested 19 models to narrow it down to the most user-friendly, portable, durable, and easy-to-clean options. (See more about our in-depth testing process below.) Our number one pick is the Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard, a sturdy, stain-resistant travel crib that takes less than two minutes to pack up.
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Amazon
Clocking nearly perfect scores in all our tests, our top choice is the Maxi-Cosi Swift Play Yard. Even after six months of use, we loved how lightweight this portable crib is, making it super easy to set up and take down. Though the leg-folding mechanism is a little different than most models, we assembled it in less than three minutes and packed it back up in under two. It also has all the comfort and safety features we’d want in this type of product. The mattress lays flat on its own, you don’t need to hook Velcro straps to keep it down, which is great for saving set-up time. The supportive yet bouncy design barely budged when we dropped a 25-pound sandbag on top, and the frame held strong too.
We’re also big fans of the bassinet feature. For newborns and infants, you can detach the mattress from the bottom and raise it up for easier access to your baby. Then, when your child grows, lower it back down to prevent them from climbing out.
At 18 pounds, this travel crib is on the heavier side. However, it seems durable and long-lasting. The high-quality materials appear stain-resistant. All things considered, we think the price is right on point.
The Details: 41.5 x 33.5 x 31 inches (overall) | 33 x 11 x 12 inches (packed) | 18 pounds | 35-pound weight limit
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Munchkin
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This lightweight, compact sleeper is incredibly easy to set up and pack up, a perfect option for traveling with newborns.
On a budget? Check out the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This on-the-go sleeper can be set up in one minute and packs back up in less than 30 seconds. At just three pounds, we were also impressed with the lightweight design. When it folds down, it’s super small and doesn’t take up a lot of space even though it doesn’t come with a carry bag. The lightweight, compact design is undoubtedly convenient, but bear in mind the capacity is 15 pounds. In other words, you’ll need something bigger once your child is about 6 months old.
The Details: 30 x 21 x 12 inches (overall) | 3 pounds | 15-pound weight limit
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Buy Buy Baby
If you’re open to splurging on a high-quality travel crib, UppaBaby won’t disappoint. It’s incredibly easy to set up, you just pull it out of the box and snap it into place. When folding it back up, the frame wraps into the mattress to create a conveniently compact bundle. After six months of use, we found it to be a great option to even leave up as an extra home crib.
We also appreciate the safety features, including padded edges, hidden zippers, and an elevated bassinet attachment. It’s also pretty light and portable. So, while the price is steep (and you’ll have to buy the carry bag separately), in the end, we think it’s worth the investment for its durability and overall features.
The Details: 40.5 x 28.5 x 26 inches (overall) | 28.5 x 11 x 10 inches (packed) | 22.5 pounds | 20-pound weight limit
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Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples
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Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
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KidCo
For something more compact, consider the KidCo PeaPod Plus. We were able to set up this sleeper and fold it back down in almost no time. The ultra-lightweight design folds effortlessly into its included bag, and the carry straps make it easy to take on the go.
The tent-like design can be used indoors or for outdoor naps in your backyard, on the beach, or on family camping trips. While it’s not the most structured, it holds its shape enough to provide a safe sleeping spot for a small child. Despite the compact size, bear in mind it’s designed for kiddos between 6 months and 5 years.
The Details: 46 x 34 x 22 inches (overall) | 19 x 19 x 3.5 inches (packed) | 3.5 pounds | 100-pound weight limit
TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson
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Amazon
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This remarkably lightweight-yet-sturdy bassinet is easy to set up, move from room to room, and bring on the go.
We were able to assemble and fold up the Chicco LullaGo in under a minute. This travel bassinet is remarkably lightweight yet still sturdy. After six months of use, it’s holding up well and is a great option with a minimalist design. Though we wish it came with a carrying case, it’s easy to move from room to room or bring on the go. We also like that all the covers are conveniently machine-washable.
Dr. Goodstein warns against using this product past the newborn stage, as the elevated platform isn’t designed for larger infants. “When the babies are too old, they can fall out of it,” he says. “It’s just not safe.”
The Details: 30 x 28 x 18 inches (overall) | 28 x 18.5 x 5.5 inches (packed) | 12 pounds | 20-pound weight limit
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Amazon
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This playard boasts easy setup, a sturdy design, and various safety features to keep your kiddo secure during naps or playtime.
The Chicco Alfa Lite can be assembled in three minutes and folded back up in less than 60 seconds. Thanks to the helpful ‘push’ buttons and intuitive design, you don’t even need to consult the instructions for set-up and take down. Though the legs fold out with ease, the frame also feels sturdy, like it’ll hold up well over time.
Designed for on-the-go sleeping or safe, secure playing, this playard has lockable side zippers and a mattress that buckles to the base. You can also unzip the side to let your child climb in and out during playtime. The mattress is a little flimsy, but other than that, we have no complaints. After six months of use, we love that this is even a good option to set up during playdates.
The Details: 43 x 29 x 25 inches (overall) | 21 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches (packed) | 13 pounds | 30-pound weight limit
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Amazon
The Baby Joy Travel Crib takes a mere three minutes to set up and folds up in a flash. It folds and unfolds easily, kind of like a camp chair. Once you know where the lock button is, the frame is incredibly simple to put together. After six months of regular use, we love that this can be used inside for naps and even outside for contained playtime.
The entire thing seems high-quality, which is impressive, considering the very reasonable price tag. Weighing only 11 pounds, it’s one of the lightest options we tried. While we appreciate the included case, the short handles make it hard to avoid dragging it on the ground when carrying it — for shorter folks, at least. This portable crib folds up pretty compactly but is still probably too tall for an overhead bin, which is why we recommend it for family road trips.
The Details: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches (overall) | 23.5 x 20.5 x 7 inches (packed) | 11 pounds | 33-pound weight limit
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Amazon
With less than four minutes to set up and only two minutes to take down, this is one of the easiest travel cribs to use. Once unfolded, you simply drop in the mattress and attach it to the frame using velcro straps to keep it stable and secure. The first time we assembled this crib, we didn’t even need to read the manual because it was such an intuitive process.
In addition to its ease of use, this is one of the most sturdy and high-quality of all the travel cribs we tested. The material doesn’t shift around at all and the slight suspension and shocks improve safety for any kiddo. We also love that it comes with its own travel case that helps keep the crib compact and organized while on the go. For anyone looking for an entry level travel crib that’s simple and sturdy, this is a high-quality and reliable option.
The Details: 43 x 30 x 29 inches (overall) | 23.2 pounds | 30-pound weight limit
Our Testing Process
Travel + Leisure editors selected 19 travel cribs to try firsthand. We started by timing how long it took to assemble them based on the brand’s instructions, noting any hiccups they ran into along the way. After assessing the features and materials, we lifted them up and moved them around the room to see how light and portable they were once assembled.
To evaluate the sturdiness, we shook the frames and dropped a sandbag into the center to see how well they could support a small child standing up or jumping around. Finally, we timed how long it took to fold down the cribs and put them in their carrying cases, noting how heavy they were when packed up. Each model was scored for ease of setup, portability, durability, ease of cleaning, quality, and value, and those with the highest average ratings were selected for this roundup.
Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Other Travel Cribs We Liked
KidCo Peapod Portable Travel Bed: This tent-style sleeper quickly pops open, and the padded base is a cinch to snap on. While the fabric is somewhat thin, it’s super lightweight and easy to carry, too. However, in the end, we just liked the other KidCo model better.
Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Portable Infant Lounger: We liked the small, lightweight design of this product. But since it’s technically a lounger rather than a crib, it’s really designed to be a safe place to set your infant down — not necessarily a place to sleep. When in doubt, check with your pediatrician before using it.
Pamo Babe Deluxe Portable Nursery Center: While this crib was incredibly easy to set up, we thought it lacked durability as it had a tendency to collapse as it grew closer to the weight limit.
Tips for Buying a Travel Crib
Put safety first
Whether for travel or nightly sleep, safety should be a top priority when buying a crib. Per the CPSC’s current guidelines, the mattress should be relatively firm to prevent rolling. And you shouldn’t add extra padding or bedding until your child is at least 12 months old, as the materials can pose a suffocation risk.
“Get a travel crib that is current from a major brand,” says Dr. Goodstein, “and use the mattress that’s included.” He adds that, aside from a sleep sack, you really don’t need anything other than a mattress and a tight-fitting crib sheet.
Know the important features
Travel cribs come with various features — some for safety and others for comfort or convenience. This may include user-friendly foldability, a carrying case, a firm mattress, padded edges, concealed zippers, or breathable mesh sides.
“Some have a bassinet feature, which is convenient for new mothers (not bending over) and small/younger newborns,” says Dr. Goodstein. “With or without, they should be used properly, following the weight, age, and developmental limitations set within the product instructions and warnings.”
Consider the type of trip you’re taking
When browsing options, consider the type of trip you’re taking and where you plan on using the crib. If you’re traveling by plane, some (but not all) airlines allow you to check portable cribs for free (along with travel strollers and car seats). But if you’re not checking baggage, make sure it’s small enough to pass as a carry-on.
Some small travel cribs can be folded up super compactly and even tucked inside a suitcase. But larger options that come with their own carry bags will usually need to be toted around separately. If you just need something for the occasional overnight, you have more flexibility in terms of size.
Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Theresa Holland is a toddler mom and seasoned commerce writer specializing in travel, baby gear, and furniture. For this story, she compiled our in-house testing insights and combed through product specs to create a comprehensive roundup of today’s best travel cribs. She is personally familiar with the offerings from UppaBaby, Munchkin, and Chicco.
In creating our list of best travel cribs, we also spoke to an expert in the care of newborns, neonatologist Michael H. Goodstein, MD, FAAP.
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