A mama’s guide to the best travel cribs for infants and toddlers: how to choose the best portable travel crib and best buys
Sleep has always been elusive for my children, especially when traveling.
Settling in unfamiliar surroundings can be hard for infants and toddlers and if you throw in the mix the odd feeding hours that come with jet lag, things get even messier.
This is why, when we first started traveling with our children, I went on a quest for the best sleeping solutions for babies on the go and ended up with a list of the best travel cribs on the market.
I didn’t only find product recommendations while searching.
I also came across good tips to fight jet lag in children and sleep routines but all parents seem to have one thing in common: they all recommended bringing your own travel crib with you and now that I have traveled extensively with an infant myself, I agree.
If you have your own travel crib, you can be sure that it is clean and well maintained, you can give your child a place that is familiar and comfortable and you can also use it as an impromptu playpen!
Travel cribs: how to choose
There are a few things to look for when choosing a travel crib for an infant or toddler.
Safety
Safety is always my number one concern when it comes to baby and toddler gear and a travel crib is no exception.
Make sure the material the crib is made of matches the highest and latest safety standards, check double-check and check again that there are no loose parts or strings that can pose a safety hazard, and pick a model with a sturdy frame that will withstand the inevitable bashes.
Before buying, take into account the age and ability of your child: will the crib topple if they try to come out?
Does the crib have bars that can trap their little arms or feet and is the crib stable on its feet?
Related: Tips On Dressing Kid in Romper
Age range
Most travel cots are able to accommodate babies and toddlers but not all do so it is safe to double-check the weight limit of each crib before committing.
Make sure you get a crib that can grow with your child and, in doubt, go for one that can withstand an active toddler!
Ease of assembly
If like me, you have spent hours assembling a flat-pack changing station, learning to fold a stroller, and securing a car seat with Isofix, you know why ease of assembly is important, especially on travel.
The last thing you want is to get to your accommodation with a tired toddler and be unable to set up their bed as it keeps collapsing (especially if there is no wifi to quickly check the user manual online…. just saying!)
Weight and portability
The best portable travel crib is of course of a reasonable weight and size and what this means depends on the age of your child and also the type of travel you are planning.
If you are expecting a lot of air travel, then you want a lightweight crib that is good for flying and that is light and compact.
Accessories
Many cribs come with accessories included, some for the child and some for the crib itself.
I believe when traveling the fewer the accessories the better (fewer things that can get lost and break, lower weight to carry) but I do believe a cot that comes with a handy travel bag /carrying case is handy.
For both ease of use and budget, make also sure what the crib comes with: has it got its own comfortable mattress? Do you need to buy anything else or is it out of the box ready to use?
Are the accessories machine washable and how easy it is to clean the frame?
Frequently asked questions about travel cribs
What do babies sleep in when traveling? Are cribs the best option?
Cribs are only one of the travel sleeping options available for babies. Travel tens and bassinets are also excellent, you can find a good selection of portable bassinettes and toddler beds here
At what age can babies sleep in travel cots?
Most travel costs are suitable from birth and can be used up until about 3 years of age, depending on the specs of the cot. Those that lie flat on the floor rather than on legs have a longer use
Will a travel cot fit in a suitcase?
Most travel cribs are built to fit a larger suitcase. Many come with their own carry bag and can be sent as checked luggage when traveling by plane
Can you take a travel cot on the plane?
Most travel costs are checked luggage and cannot be carried on the aircraft as carryon luggage
Is it safe a hotel travel cot?
It is not possible to generalize about the safety of hotel cots (some family hotels have excellent gear) but usually, having your own ensure additional safety as you know how the crib has been kept, maintained, and cleaned.
