Troubleshooting sleeping can be a big issue for families on vacation (it’s a huge pain point for us!). Keeping up your energy and enthusiasm can be tough for everyone when you’re not getting a good night’s sleep. Portable cribs or playards can be a great solution to giving your children a safe and familiar sleeping environment when you’re out of town. Like most baby and child products there are more than ever to choose from, so where to even start? We’ve got you covered! Chosen for being compact, lightweight and easy to set up, these cribs round out our top 5.
Best All Around: Lotus Travel Crib by Guava
This travel crib makes the list for its lightweight but durable aluminum design (13lbs!) It has a 3D folding design which makes it more compact when folded up than traditional playards. The side zips down to give easy access to help soothe your little one (anyone else stood painfully bent over a crib with a hand on your child’s back to get them to sleep? Now you can lay down and do it!) This travel crib also has a GreenGold certification, so there’s no harmful chemicals in its production. Retails for $209.
Easiest to Set up: Breeze Go by Four Moms
This playard is heavier than some (24 lbs) but still easily portable. Four Moms strives to make their products intuitive and easy to use, their travel cribs are no exception. Push down in the center to open and pull up on the cord to close. That’s it! It’s a breeze 🙂 Included is a storage bag with handles for easy transfers. For an extra $50 you can upgrade to the Breeze Plus which includes a bassinet and changer if you want to use it at home and for travel. Retails for $226.
Best Value: Graco Pack and Play on the Go
Coming it at $79.99 this playard is a great budget option. Set up and take down are simple and it’s a comfortable and sturdy place for your little one to nap or sleep. It also comes with a bassinet option to use when your littles are under 15 lbs. It’s heavier than the ultralight options at 23 lbs. We’ve been toting this around for the last 4 years.
Best for Twins or Toddlers: Joovy New Room2
This playard boasts 50% more space than traditional travel cribs. A whopping 10 feet of sleeping and playing space makes this a great choice for multiples or toddlers. It’s made with a sturdy frame and all four sides are a breathable mesh. What you get in terms of space you make up for in size and weight. It comes in at 29 lbs but it still folds up to a compact size with a travel bag making it easy to take on your next trip. Retails for $130.
Best deluxe: Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Easy Go
Though it comes with a higher price tag ($300) this playard gets high marks due to it’s lightweight but sturdy frame (13 lbs) and is much easier to set up than other lightweight models. The mattress pad is plusher than others in the same category and they also boast Oeko-Tex certification meanings it’s free from harmful chemicals. It folds up to a compact footprint so it’s easy to take with you on your next adventure.
