How to Choose the Perfect Travel Crib

When it comes to traveling with a baby, a good night’s sleep is essential for everyone. Having a good sleep space can make all the difference in ensuring your baby sleeps soundly while away from home.

I’ve had my fair share of trial and error with various travel cribs, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned over dozens of trips and 15 countries with my two year old. Whether you’re considering bringing your own travel crib or using a hotel crib, here are some tips and insights to help you make the best choice.

1. Consider Portability and Ease of Setup

The first thing I consider is how easy the travel crib is to carry and set up. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with a complicated crib after a long day of travel. Look for one that’s lightweight, compact, and has a straightforward setup process.

We originally had a folding bassinet that fit into the corner of a suitcase. We could store diapers in it, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was easy. If we were road tripping, we’d use the Nuna bassinet with a locked Nuna Mixx. That was shortlived, though, as my son quickly outgrew it. Then we moved to the Guava Bassinet, then the Crib, and we used that for a solid year and a half, even daily (read my Guava review)!

2. Comfort and Safety

Make sure the travel crib has a firm, flat mattress and meets all safety standards. Some travel cribs come with thicker mattresses for extra comfort, which can be a nice feature if your baby is picky about their sleep surface. Also, ensure the crib has breathable mesh sides to promote airflow and allow you to keep an eye on your baby and that you’re within weight and height requirements.

From when my son was around five months to nearly two years old, we’d almost always travel with the Guava Lotus just to be sure he’d sleep well and had a familiar environment.

3. Versatility and Extras in a Travel Crib

Some travel cribs come with extra features like built-in bassinets or changing stations. While these can be convenient, they can also add to the bulk and weight. Decide what’s most important to you based on your travel needs.

The Guava is pretty bare bones, but it’s also a carry-on size and can fit into half of a large suitcase.

4. Using Hotel Cribs

These days, we almost always try to travel lighter and use hotel cribs. My son hasn’t liked the small space of the Lotus as much now that he’s older, and a hotel Pack and Play is often much better. This is the most common kind of hotel crib we find, but some have wooden cribs.

Pros:

• Convenience: No need to pack or carry your own crib.
• Space Saving: Leaves more room in your luggage for other essentials.
• Hassle-Free: Usually there’s no setup or takedown required, though I have run into an airport hotel or two that expect you to assemble.

Cons:

• Uncertainty: You don’t know the crib’s condition until you arrive. For the most part, what we’ve received has been fine, and seemed as clean as the hotel room bed.
• Availability: Cribs are often limited, especially in peak travel seasons. Call ahead to ensure one will be available.
• Comfort: Hotel cribs may not be as comfortable as your own travel crib, and your baby might not sleep as well in an unfamiliar bed.

I remember staying in a hotel where the crib provided was rickety and uncomfortable. But it was in the middle of nowhere Nevada and we had to pit stop after getting snowed in, so there wasn’t much choice. I’d wished then that we had the Guava Lotus!

5. Is the Slumberpod Necessary?

The Slumberpod is a blackout curtain crib cover that can block out light for those with early bedtimes. When sharing a room, it can be a good idea, but is it really necessary?

For us, there have been times when it wasn’t necessary, like between 6 months and 19 months old, but as soon as my son got closer to two, he would keep us up all night if he knew we were in the same room, so the Slumberpod has been a must-have once again. If we can avoid it, we try not to have a single room hotel these days!

6. Consider Renting a Travel Crib

If you’re traveling for an extended period or don’t want to purchase a travel crib, consider renting one. Many local baby gear rental companies offer travel cribs, and they deliver right to your accommodation. Babyquip is the best one in the US. This can be a great option if you’re traveling light or if your destination has reliable rental services.

We did this when visiting Sedona and I’ve rented plenty when visiting my mom in California as well, particularly when I am flying solo with my toddler and need to cut down on luggage.

As he gets older, we’ll move to an inflatable travel bed to give him more autonomy and cut out the need for a travel crib, but for now, it’s still a necessary part of the trip planning process.

Choosing the perfect travel crib for your baby can take a bit of research, but the payoff is well worth it for a good night’s sleep. Whether you decide to bring your own crib or use a hotel’s, with the right crib, your baby will sleep soundly, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on your travels.