Once you’re ready to hit the road for an overnight at Grandma’s house or somewhere more exotic, little ones will need a safe place to sleep. Be prepared with one of the best travel cribs available. Here are our top picks.
AeroMoov Instant Travel Crib
This cute travel cot weighs less than 11 pounds and can be set up and taken down in a snap. It folds flat (less than 5 inches thick!) so it won't take up much space when stored. There's a breathable, see-through mesh exterior and a two-inch foam mattress for sleeping and playing on. Position the mattress at mid-level for younger babes, and then switch to the lower level for older babies and toddlers.
Available at amazon.com, $195.
4moms Breeze Plus
The 4moms Breeze Plus ($245) is designed to do it all and last for years. The Breeze comes complete with a bassinet, making it suitable to use from birth. Once your little one outgrows the bassinet, simply remove it to give baby a larger place to sleep and play. The Breeze comes with a unique changer that can be flipped onto the crib when baby needs a new diaper. The Breeze Plus also lives up to the hype of a very easy set-up. It takes one push to open and one pull to close, which is great for anyone who anticipates setting up a travel crib or play yard frequently. The Breeze also comes with a travel bag for easy transport.
Nuna Sena Aire
The Nuna Sena Aire ($379) is a sleek travel crib that's very easy to fold and unfold, making a great choice for trips where you need to set up and clean up quickly. This travel crib can be used from birth with the included bassinet that folds along with the main frame. Another useful feature is the adjustable mattress. This is great when setting down a sleeping baby or reaching in to get a baby up since the mattress can be positioned about mid-way up.The Sena Aire also makes a fun play yard at home or on-the-go. It has mesh on all sides so you can see inside from any angle. The Sena Aire comes complete with an organic sheet and travel bag. Need something even smaller? The Sena Aire also comes in mini ($200).
Regalo
The Regalo My Portable Bassinet ($80) is a no-frills travel crib that is perfect for when space is at a premium. This travel crib is light and can fit into an average-size carry-on bag. Regalo achieves the impossible by giving baby a safe place to sleep while truly traveling light. Its small size also makes it a great choice for travel or small bedrooms.
DockATot
The DockATot Deluxe+ ($175) is a space-saving ultra-light solution to providing a safe place for your tot to lounge on-the-go. This is the absolute lightest option for a travel crib because it does not have a frame. Instead, the DocATot Deluxe+ is a heavily padded nest suitable for babies up to eight months. There are endless options for covers to match any decor from pristine white to exotic leaves and chevron patterns. Add-ons include a travel bag for easy transport and a toy bar that transforms the DockATot into a place to play and practice tummy time. If your little one still loves the DockATot when they get bigger, check out the DockATot Grand, which is big enough for toddlers up to 36 months.
Silver Cross Slumber
Silver Cross is known for being the brand of choice for the British Royals when it comes to strollers. Now, the Slumber travel crib ($300) meets the same high standards, making it fit for heirs to the throne and commoners alike. The Slumber is ready to use from birth through the toddler years right out of the box. The included bassinet can be used until baby starts to roll over or push up. Once that happens, extending the life of the Slumber is easy! Just unzip the bassinet and you have a ready-made full-size crib complete with a padded frame. Even better, the Slumber can be used as a play yard during the day. One of the sides is a clever zip-up door that is left closed when your little one is asleep but can be opened when you want to give your toddler the independence to get in and out during the day. The Slumber is incredibly easy to use since it can be unfolded with one hand. As a bonus, it comes with its own weatherproof travel bag great for putting in the trunk or checking on a plane.
—Jamie Davis Smith
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