The 8 Best Portable Cribs, Plus Safety Tips

Are you taking a trip or visiting friends for the afternoon any time soon? If so, don’t forget to take a portable crib!

Portable cribs provide your baby with a safe sleep surface while staying in a hotel or when they need to take an afternoon nap at grandma’s.

At Newton Baby, we know how important it is for your baby to get good, safe sleep. That’s why we created this list of the eight best portable cribs and some safety tips to follow when using one.

Take a look before you decide which portable crib is right for your baby!

The 8 Best Portable Cribs

 

1) Skip Hop Portable Playard: Play to Night Expanding Travel Crib to Playard

If you’re looking for a bigger play area for your baby rather than the traditional size of a portable crib, this is it!

This adjustable crib converts from a baby bed to a square play area. Just unzip the sides and you’ll have a roomy play space in no time!

It comes with a crib mattress, a sheet, and a mat for playtime. It’s ideal to use for children from birth to three years old.

2) Dream On Me Travel Light Playard, Black

This portable crib has an appealing modern design and is lightweight — no more straining your back while trying to carry a heavy portable crib!

It also folds up flat to be stored away and carried more efficiently. But don’t let that fool you. It still has a sturdy, aluminum frame.

Plus, it’s easy to use and clean, which makes cleaning up any messes a breeze!

3) 4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard

This portable crib is created by the makers of mamaRoo. It’s so easy to open and close that you only need one hand. So in those times when you need an extra hand, you can have it!

The airy design gives you a clear view of your baby while they sleep from any angle. It’s also sturdy and ideal to use for newborns and children up to 30 pounds.

 

4) Graco Pack and Play On the Go Playard

The durable frame makes it easy to use and fold up nicely, so stashing it away in a closet or the back of a car is uncomplicated. Plus, this one has all the bells and whistles, including a changing area for your baby.

And when you’re done changing a diaper and ready to put your baby to sleep, wrap them up in our Organic Swaddle Blankets. It’ll keep your little one safe and comfy while they sleep.

Plus, our swaddle blankets can double as a nursing cover, burp cloth, or blanket and can provide a clean area to lay your baby on when you need to change a diaper!

5) Nuna Sena Aire

What’s so great about the Nuna Sena Aire is that you can fold it up with one hand. And you won’t even have to worry about getting your fingers pinched in the process because it has padded edges!

What’s even greater, every side (including the floor!) is made with mesh to allow for ideal airflow from any angle. Even the mattress is created with a triple layer design so your baby won’t get too hot while they sleep.

The sturdy, creative design makes this portable crib a great complement to any room in the house. So don’t just use it when you’re traveling, use it as a safe space for your baby throughout your home!

6) Lotus Travel Crib - Backpack Portable

This travel-friendly, compact portable crib comes with a backpack carrying case.

Because of its unique design, the Lotus Travel Crib is ideal for traveling by plane. No more lugging around a heavy crib when you’re rushing through the airport!

And you can forget about leaning over. The quiet side zipper door allows for easy access and is perfect when it comes time to crawl and play.

This travel baby bed is certified safe and free of harsh chemicals, making it ideal for newborns. It can be used up to three-years-old.

7) KidCo P3010 Peapod Portable Indoor Outdoor Travel Bed

Weighing in at only 2.45 pounds, this one is the lightest portable crib on our list. It can even fit inside your carry-on luggage!

However, this indoor/outdoor travel bed is only appropriate to use for children between the ages of one and three, so do not use it for a newborn or baby.

The tent-like design is perfect when your little one needs to take a nap at the beach or pool. It’s also the ideal complement to camping trips, an afternoon picnic, or any other outdoor activity you and your family enjoy!

 

What’s more, it passes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) testing protocols, making it a safe sleep surface for your child.

8) Dream On Me 2 in 1 Portable Folding Stationary Side Crib

If you’re looking for a more stationary portable crib, this is your answer. It’s sturdy and has a stationary rail design, meaning it’s extra safe for your baby. Plus, it meets CPSC and ASTM standards.

The unique hinges still allow you to fold the crib flat for storage or travel. So you can easily tuck it away in a closet or under a bed when needed, or simply set it up in a room as an extra safe sleeping surface for your baby.

Safety Tips When Using A Portable Crib

 

Make Sure Frame Is Sturdy

When you’re using a portable crib, safety comes first. And what comes first on our safety list is a sturdy frame.

Make sure the portable crib you choose won’t move easily if it’s bumped into, and make sure all sides are locked in place before putting your little one in it.

Also, your baby will eventually become a toddler, so keep in mind that they’ll probably lean over the sides at some point. This is why the frame and sides should be durable.

Don’t Add Extra Padding

Most portable cribs provide you with some sort of mattress pad for your baby to sleep on. There’s no need to purchase additional padding.

In fact, it’s not safe (or recommended) to add an extra mattress to try to make the bed more comfortable, as this can be dangerous for your little one. Only use the padding or mattress provided.

Check Age Requirements

Some portable cribs are only designed for older children, like toddlers, while others are better fit to accommodate younger babies.

When you’re searching for a portable crib, make a list of what you’re looking for and always check age requirements.

Consider The Crib’s Size And Weight

 

Consider where you’re traveling and how you’re traveling. If you’re flying, you’re definitely going to need something pretty compact that you can easily carry through the airport and onto the plane.

In this case, you don’t want something that’s super heavy and will put a lot of strain on your back. You would definitely want to choose a lightweight and compact portable crib.

Similarly, if you’re taking a road trip and traveling by car, evaluate how much space you have. Is there enough room to pack a portable crib?

Another thing to consider is how much room you’ll have at your destination. Figure out the size of the room before you reach your destination. If you’re staying with friends or family, just ask to get an estimate of the size.

And if you’re staying in a hotel or condominium, do your best to get an idea from the pictures, but also feel free to contact the staff to find out what size portable crib your room can accommodate.

Also, consider the size of the crib not just for the sake of your back, but also for the safety of your baby, making sure it’s an appropriate size for them.

Inspect The Sides

Before you use a portable crib, examine the condition of all its sides. Check for damage each time you use it, and make sure all the sides are made of mesh so your baby can breathe through them and air can flow through.

Review Setup Instructions

When you’re setting up a portable crib for your sweet baby, the last thing you want to do is get your fingers caught in one of the locks!

Review the instructions to ensure the bed is easy to set up before making your final decision.

Safe Sleep While Traveling

 

Portable cribs are basically a life hack to make traveling with your baby oh-so-much easier! They can also supply a safe sleeping surface for your baby when visiting friends and family for the day.

Assess your family’s needs, review our list of the best portable cribs, and check out our safety tips before making a selection.

Portable cribs are a must for traveling, but when you’re at home and your baby is sleeping in their crib, make sure they’re still sleeping on a safe, breathable surface. Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress fits the bill...and don’t forget about our breathable sheets!