Portable cribs are some of the best and popular beds for babies. They come with space-saving designs, are lighter and fold for easy transportation. They offer comfort both to the baby and the parent and re easy to set up. You can use it as a second bed for vacation or when traveling.
Are you looking for the best portable crib? It is an exciting time for any parent to set up a baby nursery. It is where the baby will spend hours every day and have a peaceful rest. Even though the design, functionality, adjustability, and color are important features to consider, nothing is as important as safety. Choose a model that is certified safe for the baby.
Best Portable Baby Cribs Review
1. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard
This pack n play playard will keep your child relaxed and comfortable at home and away. No matter where you travel, the baby will feel at home and will be safe. It folds very easily making it very portable and easy to use. With just a push of a button, you can break the crib down quickly and hassle-free.
It is recommended for babies below 35 inches tall and who cannot climb out. It features a durable frame so it will stand up to any challenge. Its automatically folding wheels and feet make it a breeze to work with. It has mesh on all sides making very airy for the baby.
2. Graco Travel Lite Crib with Stages
Get the perfect spot for your baby with this Graco Travel Lite Crib. It features a bassinet for the baby to snooze in in addition to the quilted mattress for optimum comfort. Its canopy shields the baby from light and provides a soothing environment for rest and play.
The crib is 20% smaller than traditional models. It folds with the push of a button for portability. The handy wheels make it easy to move from room to room. It is lightweight at only 19 lbs and will fit anywhere at home or when traveling. The airy mesh on the sides gives the baby adequate ventilation and visibility.
3. BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light
The BabyBJorn travel crib is easy to use and carry. It weighs only 13 pounds and can fold into a small package to fit a carry bag for travel. It suits babies from 0-3 years, so you will get value for your money. The crib sets up and folds in a simple movement. Even when you are out of time, you will still have adequate time to fold the crib and store in a bag.
It has no loose parts to attach. Its legs unfold automatically, and once you put the mattress in, it will be ready for the baby. It comes with a soft, comfy mattress with a built-in base plate to keep it standing firm on the floor.
4. Fisher-Price Rock’n Play Portable Bassinet
Whether at home or on the go, this is the right size crib to keep the baby by your side. It features a flat, elevated sleeping surface and can rock with a gentle push. It also doubles up as a play place when you attach a mirror and toy. The model is lightweight and folds easily for portability. Its pad is machine washable and dryer safe.
Give your baby a safe and secure environment where you can also connect during playtime. The bassinet provides a restful environment that helps the baby understand when it is time to relax or sleep.
5. LUCKUP Foldable Portable Baby Crib
Your baby will get the best with this crib. From the material to design and functionality, it is perfect and convenient. You can remove it for cleaning and is excellent for long-term use. It is made of a cotton surface material, which has excellent hygroscopicity, no static electricity, and can keep the baby warm. It has a breathable net and high strength aluminum for support and durability. The one-step pull will fold the crib into a portable bundle. It also has a removable mosquito net on top to keep your baby safe.
6. Valco Baby Zephyr Travel Crib
Experience working with an effortless travel crib to make it fun moving with your baby. It has a lightweight construction and comes with a travel bag making it very portable. It is easy to assemble and does not take up much of your time. Once you remove it from the bag, stretch the legs and click into position, insert the mattress and you are done.
It features an insect net, extra airflow exterior and padded mattress for excellent comfort. Store some toys and bottles in the mesh pocket at its sides. Zephyr is an excellent travel companion and will keep your baby safe.
7. Phil & Teds TR_V4_5 Traveller V4 Cot/Crib
This portable crib is the only one on the market that is lighter than the baby. It weighs just 6 lb. and is super compact for suitcases and small car trunks. It unpacks into a breathable and comfy travel cot for use at home and away. Give the baby a convenient and comfortable place to play and rest. The mesh sides are fully breathable, coupled with the global safety certification, the baby can play and rest unsupervised. The materials used in its construction are free from hazardous substances so your baby will be safe.
8. Delta Children Portable Mini Crib
This 3-in-1 foldable baby crib is the safest and most convenient place for the baby to rest and play. It is very small using about 35% less space compared to a standard crib. It perfectly suits smaller spaces such as apartments or a night at a friend’s place. It has a one-inch waterproof mattress and can be adjusted to two mattress positions. This crib meets and exceeds the safety requirements of JPMA and ASTM.
9. LA Baby The Condo Metal Evacuation Window Crib
With this portable baby crib, you can keep an eye on the little one through the shatter-resistant acrylic panel. Its sturdy metal construction has a non-toxic baked finish for easy cleaning and durability. The heavy-duty casters make it easy to move around and lock into position. It is commercially rated for use in daycare and preschools. The vinyl
10. Delta Children Portable Mini Crib
Give your baby a comfortable travel crib and ease some parenting pressure off your shoulder. It is well built and versatile. It is portable, lightweight and has an easy-fold design. It also comes with a mattress pad for a comfortable and safe environment for the baby to play and rest at home and away. Its two mattress positions help it grow with the baby. It is strong and sturdy, making safe and durable. Its four casters make it easy to move around the house.
Types of Cribs
Standard crib
This type of crib is the basic design that only serves as a place for the baby to sleep. It does not fold up and has no unique design. It has no other functional elements. If you only want a place or your baby to sleep, then the standard crib will just do.
Bassinet
These are more compact and sometimes portable cribs. They are less pricey and provide the baby a safe place to sleep. They are like portable cots that can fold up and move to another room.
Convertible crib
These crib types can convert to a daybed or headboard. Since for most kids, the crib duration only lasts 24 months, this convertible crib can continue serving a different purpose.
Portable crib
These are different from travel cribs. They are made of hard material and fold up much like a TV table. They are easy to store or move around with.
Features to focus on
Wheels
As you shop for a baby crib, select a model with wheels. These make it easy to push from one room to another. The wheels should be lockable to keep the crib stationary.
Size
You should consider the size before purchasing a crib. It should comfortably fit the place you intend to place it at home. When you know your available space, you can narrow down the choices and pick the right size. If you do not have much space and want to fit other furniture too, consider a narrower or smaller crib.
Design
Most parents will consider the appearance and design before taking a crib home. There are many crib designs on the market so you will not fail to get the right one. The right design should complement the baby nursery and your house décor.
Mattress
Some crib models have the mattress included while others come without. The mattress quality is crucial since the baby needs a good start to life and the best support while in a sleeping position. If the mattress quality is not great, then consider buying the mattress separately.
Material
The portable crib should be made of strong material since it will require regular assembly and disassembly. This does not mean you get something made of steel; even plastic can be strong. The material varies with the manufacturer so expect to meet a variety on the market. Consider customer reviews to learn more about the construction and performance.
Portability
This is one of the most important factors when buying a new portable crib. The weight, height, and compactness of the model is crucial to make it easy to travel with. When disassembled, the product should be small enough to fit in a carry bag or your suitcase.
Washability
Since the baby needs a clean and sanitary environment, the crib should be easy to wash. A washable crib will make your work easy, so consider this before buying one.
Ease of set up
A crib that is easy to set up will save you time, especially when you are in a hurry. Choose one that takes less time and effort to set up and disassemble, and it will truly portable.
Lightweight
Travelling involves lots of luggage before you consider the crib. This makes buying a lightweight crib crucial. When the rib is lightweight, you can move it from place to place with ease even after a tiring journey.
Safety
This should be the most important concern when shopping for a new crib. Check its strength, visibility, aeration, and transparency. Ensure the crib does contain any hazardous material in its construction. Since the baby spends plenty of time in the crib, ensure it is completely safe. Do as much research as you can before setting off to shop.
Consider the type of certification the crib has. It should confirm the product meets certain safety standards. Look for JPMA and CPSC to help you know if the crib is safe for your baby. What kind of intricate woodwork does it have? The crib may look beautiful but carefully check the construction before buying one. The areas near the baby should be completely smooth. The crib should be stable and sturdy for your baby’s safety. The spaces between the rails should not be large to allow the baby’s leg to get stuck. The mattress should fit well and not leave spaces between it and the bed as this can cause suffocation. It should not be too soft as to be hazardous to the baby.
Height
This depends on your height. You should be comfortable picking the baby off the crib. Cribs with high rails are challenging to shorter parents when reaching for the baby. The height from the mattress to the railing top is also crucial. As the baby grows, it may attempt to climb over and end up falling.
Adjustability
The best portable crib should offer you some adjustability. As the baby gets older, you will need to make adjustments. When the crib allows this, it can grow with the baby. Some allow you to place the mattress lower as the infant grows.
Functionality
A crib with more than one function is a great investment. Other than adjusting the height of the mattress, the crib should give you more. A model that can turn into a toddler bed will give you value for your money. There will be no need to buy a bed after a couple of years if it has that functionality.
Price
There is a false notion that a lower priced crib is a poor quality product. It can be a bargain and still give you a high-quality construction and the best material for durability. When the material used is strong and safe, and the crib offers excellent stability, you should go for it. The market has some great options at incredible prices you won’t want to ignore them. Look for a crib that will offer you more than just a place for the baby to sleep. Versatility and multi-functionality is the way to go.
Conclusion
Buying a crib for the little one is a major decision. You must consider its safety and functionality when looking for the best crib. The options reviewed above are great and have excellent features worth considering. Consider lightweight cribs with solid construction for the baby’s safety and comfort day and night. Portability is crucial since you will be moving with it as you travel. Consider a crib that folds easily and compact into a small portable piece.