One of the topmost things that parents plan for their newborn is a crib. However, they tend to forget some critical dynamics of the crib, which later on make things lesser suitable for them. The best travel cribs should be a good thing not just as a static item at your home but also something that you can carry along on tours.
It has been seen many times that the newborn babies don’t get accustomed well with the new environment while traveling and become cranky when made to sleep in a different crib or a bed. If you plan right then you can make your life a lot easier with the comfort of your infants while traveling.
A travel crib carries great value and is far more than just for trips only. They come with many of the same features of the regular cribs and have some special portability features to suit the need of travelers.
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Table of Contents
Best travel cribs reviews
The following top products provide a diverse yet balanced set of features that makes them the best cribs for traveling parents with their newborn. The chosen products come from the most reputable manufacturers and all quality factors considered make them the top choice for you.
#1, Lotus Backpack Portable Travel Crib with Comfortable Mattress
This travel crib is incredibly portable with various productive features, which easily makes it the top choice in our list. This crib for travelers comes in a backpack style and that makes it easy to carry around on trips. The simplicity of the setup process of the unit is one of its key features for travelers who need to set it up again and again.
The material of the crib is the breathable mesh, which allows your baby to have a long sound sleep for hours. If you inspect this crib then you will find a zipper attached to the side of the unit which provides added convenience.
This opening gives you the space to cuddle or nurse your child until he goes to sleep. Then you can simply close the zip to have a care-free experience. The item is suitable for newborns to 3 years old kids. The mattress is super comfortable and the product is GreenGuard Gold certified for being safe for kids.
Here is a quick preview of our top 5:
#1, Lotus Backpack Portable Travel Crib with Comfortable Mattress
#2, Phil & Teds Traveler Crib
#3, Elan Bambino travel Crib with Easy Top and Front Access
#4, Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Crib
#5, Rest Travel Crib for Infants with a Carrying Bag
Pros
- The equipment is certified to be non-toxic and safe for babies.
- The equipment is highly portable and lightweight to suit the needs of the travelers.
- A zipper door is there to provide easy access to baby to parents or caretakers.
- It comes with a useful carrying case as well for travelers.
Cons
- The fabric of the mattress draws grooves and creases which becomes uncomfortable for the baby.
#2, Phil & Teds Traveler Crib
Travelers just love the convenience of this crib for its incredibly lightweight while having all the comforts of a regular crib at home. The parents will enjoy having this one for their baby for a lot of room to maneuver. The unit is recommended for newborns and up to 3-year-old kids.
The sides of the crib are made of mesh which allows excellent airflow throughout the unit. You will also love the option of zipping off one side to get easy access to your baby inside the crib.
The mattress used inside is extremely comfortable. It is plush and a self-inflatable type carrying great value for the baby for a long and comfortable sleep. You can also fold down this crib easily and could pack it in a very compact bag, which you could then carry over your shoulder. This is what makes the travel experience a level ahead as compared to the competitors for the convenience it has.
Pros
- This is the lightest full-size travel crib weighing just about 6 pounds only.
- The unit itself is quite stable and highly spacious with extra comfort.
- You will get this crib with a user over the shoulder carry bag.
- The mesh on the sides allows good air circulation.
Cons
- Assembling and packing up the crib is not very easy.
#3, Elan Bambino travel Crib with Easy Top and Front Access
This one from Elan Bambino makes a super exciting option for babies with their parents traveling. This is a very lightweight crib with a total weight of 11.5 pounds only. You will get this one with a useful mosquito net and a sunshade canopy in case you are planning to take it outdoors to beaches or any other picnic spot.
The travelers will feel at ease carrying this compact crib in n over the shoulder carry bag. The real benefit of this crib is that it could be used as a play-yard as well where the inside of this unit provides a safe environment for your baby to play around.
The zippered front of the crib enables the baby with all the freedom to fully explore and openly play. The mattress that comes with the package is quite thought and comfortable. The 1-inch thick mattress is custom made to fit easily inside the crib.
Pros
- It is a spacious crib to fit toddlers and also offers some excellent portability features.
- Assembling this crib is quite easy.
- It comes with a thick and comfortable custom build mattress.
- The mesh sides allow excellent airflow.
Cons
- The packing or folding up of the unit is not that easy as it is to set up.
#4, Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Crib
It is one of the finest mini crib available in the market for traveling parents with an infant. The unit is extremely light in weight and you will find it useful for babies up to 1-year-old.
The manufacturer has installed this unit with mesh panels and the breathable type of durable fabric allows good air circulation as well. The safety features of this crib are incredible as it comes with a highly secure T-lock frame.
It is quite sturdy and allows parents the care-free usage of the crib for their babies. The desirable weight and size make it an excellent option for travelers, especially on flights.
The packed dimensions of this unit are just 22 x 17 x 3 inches. You need to simply pack this crib in your hand luggage and you will be all set to go. You also have the option to just fold it up and then carry the crib through its given handle.
Pros
- The equipment is good to carry as carry-on luggage in flights.
- The unit is super lightweight which allows simple folding as well.
- The fabric of the crib is machine washable.
- Security with a durable T-lock system is a quality feature to consider.
Cons
- The crib is not suitable for babies over 1 year old.
#5, Rest Travel Crib for Infants with a Carrying Bag
If you have a newborn baby with frequent traveling expected then this travel crib is tailor-made for you. This is the most lightweight travel crib you can ever think about. It weighs just 2 pounds and the unit is quite easy to fold as well for easy storage and carrying. The drawstring carry bag is a lovely addition in the package which allows you to carry this crib on your shoulder.
The mothers or caretakers would also find this crib easy for changing diapers while they are out and about. The extra pockets on the side of the travel bed give good options for mothers to store the necessary baby’s stuff such as baby diapers and napkins etc.
When it comes to the mattress then you will fitness there one of the finest ones. It is not only comfortable but detachable as well. This helps you with the ease of cleaning as the fabric is machine washable. The crib is useful for newborn babies only. The ones who could push over or roll their body might not find this as a secure unit.
Pros
- It is an ultra-lightweight crib with a total weight of just 2 pounds only.
- The mattress pad on offer is detachable and also machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Carrying over the shoulder bag is included to move around with this crib easily.
- The crib has extra pockets on the side to hold the useful baby stuff in an organized manner.
Cons
- The crib is not suitable for babies above 9 months or so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The answers to the below given frequently asked questions would support you with the purchase and usage of the travel cribs in the most desirable manner:
Q: What are the main safety features that I need to look for in my travel crib?
A: The crib should be the right size with smooth corner posts. The hardware should be secured firmly and the paint on the unit should be nontoxic. It is better to avoid soft toys or bedding inside. Make sure the mattress you use fits securely inside.
Q: Do travel cribs come with a mattress or I need to buy it separately?
A:The majority of travel cribs come with a mattress. It is advised to buy cribs with mattresses to get the best-customized fit.
Q: What accessories I could get with my crib for travelers?
A: Some of the good manufacturers provide great value for money by providing travel cribs with accessories. Some common accessories include napping seats, changing units, and light/ sound modules.
Q: Travel Cribs | What My Baby Really Needs
Things to consider when buying best travel cribs
There are a lot of factors involved that will determine the best crib for travelers. You need to evaluate each one of them to save yourself from any hassle when it could be too late to change your mind.
Portability
Portability is the first factor that should come to your mind when selecting a travel crib. The majority of parents normally look for a folding crib which is easy to pick up, store, and tuck away. Foldable cribs are good even if you are looking to carry it to your baby’s grandparents’ house as folded one wouldn’t come in way of anybody when not in use.
Weight and Size
The traveling parent also wants a lightweight and compact unit for the obvious travel needs and reasons. The weight is always a crucial factor for travelers while traveling by plane, private car, or any public transport. Some of the light travel cribs can also be seen through the airport check-in as the carry-on luggage if they meet the required standards.
If you have a lightweight and a compact unit then you will also find it easy to be carried in a bus or train. When you are looking to take some other types of transport then weight becomes a secondary factor, but the dimensions of the crib matter. You will be fine everywhere as long as you can pick up the crib safely and set it up in the desirable location.
Usability Perspective
There is absolutely no point in buying a travel crib which is not easy to setup. If you explore well then you will see countless options with cribs that are quite practical for traveling and also to set them up easily for your baby to sleep. Just don’t compromise on the usability factor by choosing a crib that is rigid with lesser flexible options.
Construction of the Crib and Workmanship
The rigidness of the crib’s frame is pivotal here. The cribs having the metallic rods fastened to either side beneath the main unit are desirable. This would make the frame even more rigid. The best test you can do for it if buying in-store is to just shake the unit slightly.
This would indicate if the frame is loose or not. Make sure that the cribs on the display are not always the right ones as they could be loosely assembled. You need to rotate each part by applying reasonable pressure.
This would also indicate if the frame is secured well to the railings. There must be no loose spindles o slats on the crib. If you are buying online then user reviews could be a great way to check the same. Some of the detailed reviews from customers mention such details and checks for the benefit of prospective clients.
Safety Features
Just as mentioned above in the ‘Material’ section, the stuff like nylon and polyester tend to dry much quicker as compared to cotton or woolen type vest. If you are going out for a one day trip only, such as to hiking then the quick-dry material might not be a priority for you.
A crib is something associated directly with the infants as compared to parents who are interested in making things comfortable with themselves and the baby.
Safety with a travel crib or even a regular one is highly critical. You need to be sure that the manufacturers just for the sake of portability don’t compromise on the safety features at all. You must adhere to all the height and weight instructions given by the manufacturer.
The pain used on the crib should be nontoxic for the health of your infant. Make sure that the mattress fits appropriately inside whether it comes with the crib itself or it is a custom-built separately. There shouldn’t be any sharp corners at all on any part of the crib. On top of that, for a travel crib, it is advised to avoid putting any toys in it.
Compatible Mattress
The majority of manufacturers offer mattresses along with the crib. This is a good approach to consider for purchase as well as you will get the best and the most customized mattress as per the crib.
The well-reputed manufacturers give top consideration to the mattress and all quality factors and that makes it a safe choice.
Even if you plan to buy a separate mattress for added comfort of your baby then make sure that it adheres with the exact size and dimensions of the crib. Otherwise, it could be a very uncomfortable experience for your baby and sometimes, risky as well.
Accessories
The best travel cribs with foldable style come with super exciting and productive accessories. You may have one that comes with a shoulder strap and even a carry bag. This is something that will be highly suitable for travelers to carry the crib with ease at all places, including airports or while standing on a bus or train. Moreover, a few other value-added accessories with a travel crib include napping seats, changing units, and light/ sound modules. These accessories are quite helpful for parents to manage their baby while on the move.
Conclusion
The travel cribs are not just tailor-made for trips only. They can also be used regularly at home. They are suitable in cases when your infant needs to go and stay with a nanny, has a sleepover at his grandparents’ house, or just when having a nap during the day. If you are looking to buy one for your infant, you should then be ready with your homework.
A quality crib is the one that suits your specific needs while traveling. You need to vary about the portability aspect of the crib, which ideally has to be foldable, lightweight, and compact. The frame should be sturdy and the safety features must be uncompromising as well.
These vests add great value by coming in different materials that you could choose as per your preferences and needs.
You must also check that the mattress is compatible with the crib and comfortable for the child. If you take care of all these factors then you will surely have the best travel crib for your child.
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