Best Portable Baby Beds: for Babies & Toddlers

Picking out the best portable baby bed can be an overwhelming decision when deciding how to travel with your kiddos.  Traveling with a baby can be a rewarding experience for both parents and little ones; however, ensuring a safe sleep space for the baby while away from home is scary. In addition to providing a safe sleep space, a baby travel bed provides a secure space for your baby to rest, play, or be plunked down!

With the variety of portable cribs on the market, finding the perfect baby travel bed can be overwhelming. We have rounded up all of the best travel cribs, travel bassinets, travel tents, and portable playards so you can make an informed decision!  In putting together this ‘best portable baby beds for travel’ list, we explored the following criteria:

(1) Age baby can use the product (longevity), (2) portability, (3) ease of use, (4) safety features, (5) price, (6) Amazon ratings, and (7) washability.  In our opinion, these are the factors that need to be analyzed when selecting a travel bed for your little one.

1. Age of Use/Age of Baby: First and foremost, how long can you use this thing for? Longevity of Use relates to when your baby will max out on weight, length, or milestone and cannot use the bed any longer. Some travel cribs are only suitable for 0-6 months, whereas some are suitable into toddlerhood. As some of these items carry a hefty price tag, the longer you can use them, the better.
2. Portability: One of the primary purposes of a baby travel bed is its portability. It should be lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, allowing you to carry it during your travels. We have considered the dimensions, weight, and folding mechanisms of each travel bed.
3. Ease of Use: Convenience is extremely important for parents when it comes to baby products. The travel bed you choose should be easy to set up and dismantle, enabling you to quickly create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. You should also be able to easily access the baby, making the product easy to use.
4. Safety: The safety of your baby is non-negotiable, and selecting a travel bed that meets the highest safety standards is crucial. We considered features such as sturdy frames, breathable fabrics, and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
5. Price: While affordability is an important consideration for many parents, it should never compromise the quality and safety of a portable baby crib. We included a wide range of travel beds that cater to various budgets, ensuring that you can find a reliable option without breaking the bank. Our analysis takes into account the overall value for money, considering the durability and features offered by each bed in relation to its price.
6. Amazon Ratings: We included Amazon ratings as these reflect real-life opinions from people who have actually purchased and used these products. Considering these ratings, stars, and reviews, we have real-world feedback from parents who have used the travel beds, which helps us create a comprehensive overview of each product’s strengths and weaknesses.

Through using these criteria, we have researched and evaluated a wide range of travel beds for babies. We want to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your family’s specific needs and preferences.

In the following sections of this blog post, we provide detailed reviews of the top portable baby beds, highlighting their standout features, pros and cons, and real user experiences. We are confident that with our comprehensive guide, you will find the perfect travel bed for your baby’s comfort, safety, and peaceful sleep, while you embark on your family’s adventures.

Now, onto the good stuff!!

We have broken the baby travel beds down into four categories below (1) Best travel cribs/playyards; (2) Best travel bassinets; (3) best travel tents, and (4) best pack n play for travel.  These are all forms of a ‘travel bed’ or ‘travel cot;’ however, they all have pros and cons, depending on what you are doing and where you are going. 

Best Overall Travel Bed for Babies & Toddlers

Best Overall Travel Bed for Babies & Toddlers (Honorable Mention)

Best Overall Pack ‘n Play for Babies

Best Overall Travel Bassinet for Babies

Best Overall Travel Tent for Babies

Best Overall Budget Travel bed for babies

If you want details, specifics, and the nitty-gritty, then you are in the right place. Prices change, so we’ve given you this handy dandy price guide to give you a general idea of pricing!

Best Travel Cribs & Playards

Travel Cribs and playards are the gold standard when it comes to portable baby beds and travel cots. The following travel cribs and playards are easy to set up, and also double as playpens. Most travel cribs and playards are ‘floor-resting,’ and pretty slick, but come with a hefty pricetag; however, you can use them for a long time, and across multiple children, so they can be worth the pricetag.

1. Lotus Travel Crib by Guava

The Lotus Travel Crib is a great option for parents looking for a light, versatile, easy-to-set-up, washable travel cot. If you have more questions about the specs, you can find Lotus’ How-To-Guides here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Lotus Travel Crib:

Pros:

1. Portability: It is portable and lightweight, weighing only 13 lbs, and folds down into a backpack (folded size: 24″ L x 12″ W x 8″ H).
2. Large Age range: The age range is 0-3 years old, with no upper weight limit; however, discontinue use after your child can climb out.
3. East to Set up: two-three step set up.
4. Safety: Completely breathable with mesh sides. Also, because of the low height and sturdy construction the risk of tipping over is low.
5. East to Clean: The outer cover is removable and machine washable.
6. Convertible to a playpen: You can use the Lotus Travel Crib as a makeshift playpen.
7. Easy to Use: Side zipper for play and ease of nursing to sleep.

Cons:

1. Price: $$$
2. Thinner mattress
3. The mattress cover is not removable, which means spot cleaning is the order of the day.

2. Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light

The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light is a popular option for parents looking for a portable and lightweight travel crib. If you have more questions about the specs, you can find the Owner’s Manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib:

Pros:

1. Portable & Lightweight: This is light, at only 13 lbs., and comes with a carrying bag.
2. Large age range: The age range is 0-3 years old; there is no upper weight limit; however, do not use it after your child can climb out.
3. Easy to Set up: sets up in 2-3 steps by unfolding and locking legs into place, then placing the mattress.
4. Safety: Completely breathable and see through.
5. Easy to Clean: Entire thing is machine washable.
6. Comfort: Thicker mattress than other brands.

Cons:

1. Price: $$$
2. No side zipper opening, so must bend over to place/pick up the baby
3. A bit smaller than some of the other travel cribs

3. Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard

This portable baby bed is two times larger than the competition, which means its great for sleeping but also great for playing. It’s large size also means that baby can use it longer. Also Greenguard Certified, so safer for baby. If you have more questions about the specs, you can find How-To-Guides here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard:

Pros:

1. Breathability: mesh walls for breathability; patented Wovenair breathe-thru core in the mattress.
2. Weight: lighter at 17lbs.
3. Play yard is 2x larger than competitors; this may be a pro or a con, depending on what you need.
4. Machine Washable: Outter fabric/mesh is fully removable and machine washable; mattress cover is also washable
5. Ease of Use: The side panel zips completely down.
6. Size: 2x larger than competitors; 51” x 34.5” x 28.5”
7. Organic cotton muslin sheet included.
8. Greenguard Gold Certified (Demonstrate product sustainability and commitment to increased health through certifying that products have low chemical emissions).

Cons:

1. Set Up: Some customers complained that the setup was complex. Set up is a little involved, but not overly complicated. They have good videos on their site for assembly, and disassembly.
2. Upcharge for add-ons: optional bassinet insert an additional $29.99;
3. Price: Expensive

4. Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib

Phil & Teds is a great option for budget-conscious parents. This is the lightest travel cot of the bunch, but it has some drawbacks. If you have more questions about the specs, you can find the Instrucion Manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Phil & Teds Traveller Travel Crib:

Pros:

1. Portable and lightweight: Only 11 lbs and folds down into a carry bag the size of a yoga mat.
2. Safety: Completely breathable with mesh sides; OEKO-TEX certified.
3. Mesh sides are UV-resistant, so you can use it outdoors.
4. Ease of Use: The side is zippered, which you can open for play. There are several options for use, including a bedside bassinet, bassinet, or playard.

Cons:

1. Outer cover and matters cover NOT removable, so spot clean only
2. Stability: Will tip over if baby stands and hangs on side
3. Ease of Set up: Similar to pitching a tent, more involved than some of the other playards and travel cots

5. Baby Delight Go With Me Nod Deluxe Portable Crib & Playard

This is a great portable baby bed if you are not trying to break the bank on a travel cot. If you have more questions about the specs, you can find the Instructions here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Baby Delight Go With Me Portable Crib:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: Easy 4-step set up.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Washable: All fabric is washable.
4. Ease of Use: The side panel zips down.
5. Portability: light, at 13.9 lbs; size in the bag: 9.5”L x 10.7”W x 27”H.
6. JPMA Certified (Juvenile Products Manufactures Association).

Cons:

1. You cannot add a sheet; the mattress pad is a bit rough.
2. It’s a bit flimsier than other playards.

Best Travel Bassinets

Travel bassinets can be the cheapest, lightest, most portable option for a travel bed; however, the downside is that they’re usually small and only suitable for small babies. However, some bassinets behave more like travel beds, like the Joovy Coo. We’ve assembled a variety of six travel bassinets, and I’m sure you’ll find one that’s right for you!

1. Joovy Coo Portable Bassinet Playpen Rocker

The Joovy Coo is a good option if you are looking for a bassinet with more versatility than the standard bassinet. This option is good as the bassinet rocks for small babies and converts to a playpen for bigger babies. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Joovy Coo Portable Bassinet Playpen and Rocker:

Pros:

1. Versatility: converts to a playpen/sleeper, includes a rocking bassinet
2. East of Set Up: folds flat in two steps;
3. Washable: Mattress fabric is washable;

Cons:

1. Cost: Expensive
2. Heavy for a bassinet at 17 lbs, although, on par with travel cribs and playards for weight

2. Baby Delight Go with Me Slumber Deluxe Rocking Bassinet

The Baby Delight is a great option for a stand-alone bassinet. It’s more substantial than the pop n go bassinets, but still portable, and easy to use. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Baby Delight go with Me Slumber Rocking Bassinet:

Pros:

1. Cost: Good price
2. Washable: Cover and sheet are washable;
3. Versatility: This is a stand-alone bassinet that rocks; it can be manually rocked, or locked into a stationary position for a safe sleep space
4. Portability: 12 lbs, comes with a carry bag;

Cons:

1. Set-Up: A little more involved than some of the others but not overly complicated; however, this is a stand-up/alone bassinet, so more substantial than some of the other pop-n-go options.

3. Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet

The Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet is a great option for co-sleeping. It is also a great lightweight, portable option for very young babies when you need a safe space to lay them down. It has a small footprint, doesn’t take up much space, and is easy to set up. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Baby Delight Snuggle Portable Bassinet:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: Easy to assemble.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Washable: All fabric is washable.
4. Long and narrow, with a small footprint.
5. Portability: Compact.
6. Good for co-sleeping.

Cons:

1. Not for use on any elevated surface;
2. Only works for really young babies

4. Chicco LullaGo Anywhere LE Bassinet

The Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Bassinet is a solid choice if you are looking for a stand-alone bassinet. It’s easy to set up, and JPMA and Greenguard Gold Certified. However, it’s not the most portable option on the list. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Bassinet:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: Easy to set up.
2. Cost: Price is pretty standard.
3. Washable: All fabric is washable, and the mattress is waterproof.
4. JPMA Certified (Juvenile Products Manufactures Association).
5. Greenguard Gold Certified (Demonstrate product sustainability and commitment to increased health through certifying that products have low chemical emissions).

Cons:

1. Portability: Even when packed into carry bags, it is sort of big for travel

5. Chicco LullaGo Nest Portable Bassinet

The Chicco LullaGo Nest is a good choice for a stand-alone bassinet. It’s easy to set up and comes with a carry bag. However, it’s a bit heavier than the LullaGo Anywhere. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Chicco LullaGo Nest Portable Basinet:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: easy setup.
2. Cost: Standard price.
3. Washable: All fabric is washable.
4. Adjustable canopy with hanging toys.
5. JPMA certified (Juvenile Products Manufactures Association).

Cons:

1. Heavier than the LullaGo Anywhere.
2. No waterproof mattress (which the LullaGo Anywhere has).

6. The First Years First Dreams Folding Baby Bassinet

First Years Bassinet is a stand-alone bassinet with legs. It’s a good option if you are looking for something more substantial than a pop-and-go bassinet but without all the frills.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the First Years Baby Bassinet:

Pros:

1. Ease of Set Up: one hand fold, easy to set up.
2. Cost: Price is reasonable.
3. Washable: The mattress cover is washable.

Cons:

1. On the heavier side, and is bulky when folded into the bag.

Best Travel Tents

Baby travel tents are just as they sound: little portable baby beds in the shape of little tents. Baby tents are typically extremely lightweight, often have some SPF, and are generally pretty affordable.

1. Kidco PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed

Kidco Peapod is perfect if you are looking for an ultra-portable bassinet or tent that will last you through the toddler years. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Kidco PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: pop n go situation.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Washable: The sleeping pad is machine washable.
4. Portability: Ultra-light at 3.65 lbs, and comes with a carry bag;
5. Sun (UV protection) and mosquito protection –> great for the beach;

Cons:

1. Not for use on any elevated surface.
2. Anchor straps for the outdoors is sold separately.

2. Fisher Price on the Go baby dome

The Fisher Price Baby Dome is a portable baby bed that is very much like a pop-n-go bassinet. However, it’s got a mosquito net and SPF protection, so it’s safe to use outside. It’s lightweight, versatile, and meant for use with little babies. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Fisher Price on the Go Baby Dome:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: very easy to set up.
2. Ease of Use: Easy to use and access the bab.
3. Portability: very light at 5.86lbs, but no carry bag (only carry handle);
4. Amazon Rating: People LOVE this thing.
5. Sun and insect protection from the canopy.
6. Great for local travel, trips to the beach, camping, the park, etc…

Cons:

1. Not for use on any elevated surface.
2. Cost: Not overly expensive, but pricey for a tent.
3. Age: Only for use with little babies.

3. Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet

Beberoad Love Travel Bassinet is a solid pop open bassinet. With its removable mosquito net, canopy, and toys, it’s a good option for outdoor use or on the go. The manual is available here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Beberoad Love Baby Travel Bassinet:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: easy pop open set up.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Removable mosquito net and canopy.
4. Portability: lightweight, and super compact.
5. Good for co-sleeping.

Cons:

1. Not for use on any elevated surface.
2. Washable: no, spot clean.

4. Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod

The Munchin Brica Baby Travel Pod is a solid pop n’ go, portable baby bed, bassinet option. At 2.45lbs it is one of the lightest travel cot options on the market. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod:

Pros:

1. Ease of Set Up: pop n’ open easy set, with locking steel frame.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Washable: Pad is washable.
4. Portability: VERY lightweight at 2.45lbs.
5. Good for co-sleeping.

Cons:

1. Not for use on any elevated surface.
2. Only suitable for tiny babies.

Best Pack n Plays for Travel

Pack ‘n Plays are the most well-known type of portable baby bed. Typically the heaviest and bulkiest option for baby travel beds, they offer the most versatility and longest use. Besides operating as a travel bed, pack ‘n plays offer a safe space to plunk your baby, while you are at home. We’ve rounded up the top 6 options for Pack n Plays, as baby travel beds.

1. Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight Portable Playard

The Maxi-Cosi Swift Lightweight is right for you if you are looking for a Pack n Play, and your number one concern is portability. At 18 lbs, and with its one step fold, its light, and easy to transport. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Maxi-Cosi Lightweight Portable Playard:

Pros:

1. Ease of Set Up: One step set up
2. Portability: light, at 18 lbs, its the lightest PnP on the list
3. Bassinet and Playard are made from EcoCare fabrics which are made from recycled plastic water bottles, and the fabric is soft

Cons:

1. Cost: Pricey

2. UPPAbaby Remi Playard/Deluxe 3-in-1 Portable Plack n’Play

The Uppababy Remi is one of the Cadillacs of Pack ‘n Plays. It’s light, easy to set up, machine washable, and comes with a temperature-regulating mattress for the safety and comfort of your kiddo. It’s also JPMA and Greenguard Gold certified. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Uppababy Remi Playard Pack n’Play:

Pros:

1. Safety: Temperature-regulated mattress for improved breathability.
2. Ease of Set Up: Easy one-handed setup and breakdown.
3. Washable: All fabric is washable.
4. Ease of Use: Side panel zip down.
5. Portability: on the lighter side at 20lbs.
6. JPMA certified (Juvenile Products Manufactures Association).
7. Greenguard gold certified (Demonstrate product sustainability and commitment to increased health through certifying that products have low chemical emissions).
8. Organic cotton mattress cover included.

Cons:

1. Cost: pricey.
2. Accessories are an additional cost.

3. 4moms Breeze Plus Playard & 4moms Breeze Go Playard

The best feature of the 4Moms Breeze Playards is their easy one-handed setup. You can find the manual here and another one here. And the manual for the Go is here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the 4Moms Breeze Playards:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: VERY easy set up for pack ‘n plays.
2. Breeze Plus includes a bassinet and changing table inserts.
3. The mattress is water resistant.

Cons:

1. Cost: Pricey.
2. Breeze Plus: Bassinet & changer do not fit into travel bag.

4. Graco Pack ‘n Play FoldLite Playard

The Graco FoldLite Playard is an excellent option if you are looking for a lightweight, slightly more compact Graco Playard. At 18.8 lbs it is 30% lighter than other Graco playards and one of the lightest Pack ‘n Play on our list! You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Graco Pack n Play FoldLite Playard:

Pros:

1. Accessories: Comes with a portable infant seat, changing table, bassinet, and Playard.
2. Portability: light, at 18.8 lbs.
3. Cost: Good price for what you get.

Cons:

1. Accessories do not fit into carry bag.

5. Graco On the Go Playard

Graco on the Go Playard is a good economical option for a Pack n Play. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Graco on The Go Playard:

Pros:

1. Accessories: Comes with bassinet, toy bar, and soft toys.
2. Cost: GREAT price.
3. Ease of Use: Bassinet designed to fold with your playard for easy setup and take-down.
4. Compact: Features folding feet and wheels for 20% more compact fold than other Graco.

Cons:

1. Portability: One of the heavier PnPs.

6. Chicco Dash Instant Setup Play Yard, Portable Crib

The Chicco Dash is heavy, although it’s a good price for a one-step setup Pack n Play. You can find the manual here.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Chicco Dash Playard:

Pros:

1. East of Set Up: Easy one-step setup.
2. Cost: Good price for a pack-n-play with one step fold.
3. Bassinet: Comes with full-size infant bassinet.
4. Greenguard Gold (Demonstrate product sustainability and commitment to increased health by certifying that products have low chemical emissions.

Cons:

1. Portability: At 29lbs, it is the heaviest PnP on the list.
2. Amzaon Ratin: Lower Amazon rating.

Accessories for Portable Baby Beds and Travel Beds for Babies & Toddlers

These are a few accessories helpful when using a travel cot on the road (or at home).

1. SlumberPod: Blackout Sleep Tent

2. South to East Pack N Play Blackout Cover

Takeaway

There are TONS of portable baby bed sleep solutions; I hope we’ve shed some light on the options, differences, pros and cons, and specs. For overnights or if you’d like to use your portable baby bed into toddlerhood, you may opt for a travel crib, travel playard, or pack-n-play.

Whereas, you may prefer a portable tent for visits to the beach or short visits to a friend’s house. You may want a travel baby bassinet for little babies or co-sleeping.

The point is that there is a portable baby bed and a baby travel bed for all needs and situations! A baby travel bed can make life easier while on the road, on vacations, on day trips, or simply around the house for containment!