The best portable cribs are ideal if you travel with your baby frequently or require a second crib to carry around easily. A portable crib is smaller than a standard crib and is designed to be lightweight and compact. It keeps the baby comfortable while you’re on the go or staying at a friend’s place for the night. Read on to learn about some portable cribs, their features, and some safety measures to keep in your mind when using them.

Safety Measures To Take While Using A Portable Crib

 Although a portable crib for babies is compact and easy to carry, certain measures must be followed for the baby’s safety. 

Never leave your baby unsupervised inside the portable crib. Do not use a portable crib for children who weigh more than 30lb and are taller than 34in. Make sure the portable baby crib is designed complying with the safety rules. Do not put pillows, stuffed toys, etc. inside the crib as they may suffocate the baby. Always wash the mattress and sheets of the crib.

11 Best Portable Cribs

1. Best For Interaction: MiClassic All Mesh Portable Crib

The MiClassic portable crib is easy to store or transport. It comes with a bassinet whose edges and corners are covered with soft padding for safety. The portable crib’s base is sturdy, and complies with the CPSIA safety standards. It is available in crystal and gray colors. You can check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more convincing. Pros

Easy one-second open-and-fold system All around mesh fabric for breathability Pegs for smooth rocking movements Carry bag included Dual modes—stationary and rocking

Cons

May not suit newborns Some may find the height to be low

2. Best Height-Adjustable: Graco Travel Lite Crib

This crib comes with a unique height-adjusting feature and can be used as a crib and a playard. It is recommended for newborns and babies weighing up to 15lb. This crib is designed to be 20% smaller in size than the traditional cribs, making it compact to fit beside your bed for co-sleeping. With three growing stages, this crib is carefully made to grow with your little one, right from newborn to young toddler. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube. Pros

Foldable and portable design Caster wheels for easy mobility Carry bag included Mesh on the side for better ventilation and visibility Canopy with soft toys

Cons

May not be sufficiently padded

3. Best Safe & Non-Toxic: The Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib  

If you often need to travel with your baby or are looking for a crib to lay your child out in the backyard, try the Guava Family Lotus travel crib. Ideal for traveling, this crib is certified non-toxic and can be used to sleep and play for babies up to three years old. The crib edges have smooth padding to keep your baby safe. This portable crib comes with a thick and soft foam mattress to let your baby sleep or play comfortably. The dimensions of this crib are 42x32x25in. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out. Pros

Lightweight and portable Easy to assemble and dismantle Comes with a portable carrying backpack All-round mesh fabric for ventilation Side zipper door for ease of supervision

Cons

May be smaller than expected Some may find it difficult to lift the baby out from the crib

4. Best Easy-To-Setup: BabyBjorn Travel Crib

Baby Bjorn travel crib is suitable for newborns to babies aged three years. It is made up of 100% polyester. Built to give reassuring supervision to the baby while sleeping, the crib weighs only 11 pounds. You can choose from the three different colors available. Thanks to this crib, traveling with your little one has never been this easy. Pros

Lightweight Foldable design Easy to set up Comes with a carry-on bag Mesh fabric for ventilation Mattress included Machine-washable fabric

Cons

May not be suitable for a larger baby Hem may come undone after washing

5. Best Multi-Functional: Dream On Me 3-In-1 Portable Side Crib

Made of a solid Birchwood frame, this portable crib can be converted into a playpen and a changing station with ease. The crib measures 41x26x40in and can bear up to 35 pounds of weight. The Dream On Me crib has hinged stationary back rails and hooded safety wheels for the safety of babies. You can choose from five different colors to suit your nursery. Pros

Folds flat for easy storage Lightweight and portable Crib mattress and assembly tools included Caster wheels for easy movement Rail system for safety

Cons

Some may find the directions to be vague May require additional effort to make the mattress board sit

6. Best Crib For Smaller Spaces: Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib

If you have a space constraint, then go for this mini crib from Babyletto. Measuring 37.6×23.5in, this lightweight crib is built for urban nurseries. This can be used in place of a bassinet as it is suitable for newborns to babies aged above 18 months. The crib has a low profile and is made of solid New Zealand pine wood. Its mattress is included and is TSCA-compliant, making this a safe crib for your little one. The railing system provides ventilation and safety for the baby. Pros

Stylish design and compact size Caster wheels for easy mobility Adjustable to two positions to suit the child Smooth finish with non-toxic paint Foldable design Comes in seven colors

Cons

Instructions in the manual may not be clear May require additional tools to assemble

7. Giantex Store Nursery Baby Crib Set

  The nursery crib set from Giantex is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel. This crib can be folded and carried in a bag with ease. It is made of lightweight yet sturdy material that ensures comfort and safety for your baby. The mesh windows on the side help in proper air circulation and visibility and allow easy access through the zippers. It also features a diaper place, a side pocket, two wheels for moving, and an eye-catching rack with star-shaped toys to keep the baby engaged. You can choose from the four colors available. Features

Foldable design Diaper changer and storage pocket included Lockable caster wheels for easy mobility Zippered mesh windows for ventilation and interaction Star hanging toys for engagement

8. Best Easy-To-Carry Crib: KoolerThings 3-In-1 Portable Crib

Babies outgrow their cribs and other nursery furniture soon, so it makes sense to buy multipurpose items that can be used during the later years too. The KoolerThings portable crib can be used as a crib, playpen, and a bedside sleeper. With five gear adjustments for height, this portable folding crib can easily fit your bedside. The zippers on the windows allow easy access to your baby. It can be used as a standalone bassinet in your home or while you are on the go. It is meticulously crafted with multiple layers that are built to last. Pros

Lightweight and foldable design Mesh windows for easy access and air circulation Built-in wheels with brakes Mattress and carry bag included Safety belt to secure the crib to the bed

Cons

May not suit platform beds Bassinet may not be suitable for carpets

9. Best Easy-Fold Crib: DaVinci Dylan Folding 3-In-1 Mini Crib

With a Greenguard gold safety certification, this mini crib from Da Vinci is tested for chemicals and safety standards. The compact crib with foldable design is ideal for small places. It comes with rolling wheels for portability. This versatile crib can be converted to a daybed and a mini crib with a conversion tool kit that is sold separately. Also, the mattress position can be changed to accommodate the changing needs of your growing baby. It is available with a mattress and without it and in gray and white. Pros

Lightweight Wheels have brakes Four adjustable mattress positions Compatible with any standard-size mini crib mattress

Cons

May not have ample ventilation May not be suitable for laminate floors

10. Best Easy-To-Clean: Baby Joy Foldable Travel Crib

The Baby Joy crib is made of aluminum, iron tubes, and mesh cloth to give itself a solid finish that is not easy to shake. It measures 45.5x31x27 inches, weighs 11 pounds, comes in a ready-to-use design and needs no assembly. You can easily close this with one click. This crib comes with a soft and comfy mattress for your baby to sleep comfortably. It is compatible with safety standards set by ASTM and comes in black and white colors. Pros

Foldable and portable design Sturdy construction Grows with your baby Mesh cloth and zipper windows Removable and washable mesh cloth and mattress Includes a portable carry bag

Cons

Some may find the walls to be high May not suit newborns

11. Best Lightweight: Phil&Teds Portable Traveler Crib

Now, you can give your baby the comfort of sleeping in a crib, even while traveling. The Phil & Teds crib is multifunctional and can convert into a cot, crib, or playpen. The crib’s edges and corners come with smooth, padded fabric, and a zip on one side to let your baby easily move in and out of the crib. It is recommended for babies aged zero to three years and weighing about seven pounds. Pros

Easy and quick to set up Portable and lightweight Foldable design Zippered mesh covering for easy accessibility and proper air circulation Sturdy support bars Carry-on bag included Compact to fit into the overhead compartment of an airplane

Cons

Air mattress may seem slightly thin Mesh may get stretched out with use

How To Choose The Right Portable Crib?

A portable crib should have certain characteristics to fulfill its purpose. Here are a few points to consider while buying one.

Weight: The primary purpose of buying a portable crib is to carry it with ease, so you must look for a lightweight option. The crib should be easy to carry with one hand because your hands can be pretty full with a baby. Compact design: Usually, a portable crib is used as a second crib or to carry along during traveling. So, it should be as compact as possible to fit even in tiny hotel rooms. Choose a crib that has a small frame and can fit in any corner.

[ Read : Babyhug Kelly Wooden Cot ]

Assembling and dismantling: Another important aspect of a portable crib is how easily you can set up or dismantle it. It is best to choose a crib that requires minimal assembly and can be disassembled in a jiffy. Safety: A crib is a sleeping spot for your precious little one, so it is important to choose a crib with all the safety features. Look at things like soft padding for the edges, smooth corners, a sturdy base, and a breathable mesh covering. 

Why Trust MomJunction?

Being a mother herself, Vibha Navarathna, the author of this post, clearly understands the safety concerns and difficulties of carrying a baby outside. She has gone through details and customer reviews of various products to prepare a list of the best portable cribs with their features. She also included safety measures to consider when using a portable crib and a buying guide to assist you in selecting the most suitable crib for your requirements.

Best Portable Travel Cribs Best Baby Travel Beds Best Crib Soothers Best Baby Co-Sleepers