Most expectant parents spend time thinking about their future baby's sleeping arrangements. From mini cribs to bassinets to moses baskets, the options are a-plenty. And although most parents think about their baby's bed at home, they may not know about travel cribs for babies that allow them to sleep on the go or even just in different rooms around the house.
Before making a decision about which travel crib will best suit your baby, it's important to consider how you'll be using it. For instance, my family often has foster babies stay for a few weeks at a time, so a standard "pack and play" is our best bet to fit infants of varying ages. And the second most important characteristic: how lightweight or easy to break down the travel crib is. From personal experience, I've found that the lighter the travel crib, the more likely I am to take our baby girl out for the night.
For most parents, making nap time portable is essential for a little parental freedom and flexibility. So to take the mystery out of your travel crib decisions, Romper asked three child safety experts to weigh in on the most clever, safe travel cribs on the market. Some of these experts will note that a travel crib is CPSC-certified, which means that the crib complies with all government child safety regulations — always a good place to start when considering the safety of your child's sleeping arrangement. If you're searching for the perfect crib to make nap time elsewhere a (totally safe) breeze, this list is the right place to start.
1BabyHome Dream Bassinet
Expert: Sage Singleton, a safety writer, specializing in family and child safety, for SafeWise, a security and safety brand dedicated to providing relevant, unbiased, and meaningful resources and reviews, aiming to educate communities on how to safeguard their home, family, and neighborhoods. She has worked with programs like Safe Routes to School to promote safe walking and biking practices for kids, and has written for sites like Baby Center Blog and been quoted on MSN as a safety expert.
Pick: BabyHome Dream Bassinet, $159, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "The BabyHome Dream Bassinet is a portable crib with aluminum frames," Singleton says. "Its legs fold up, making it compact and easy to carry in a travel bag. This crib is under $300 and CPSC certified. However, it is not meant for children who can stand as the mattress height cannot be adjusted."
2BabyBjörn Cradle
Expert: Sage Singleton
Pick: BabyBjorn Cradle, $245, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "The BabyBjorn Cradle is a great travel crib as it is made of mesh, making it light-weight and easy to maneuver," Singleton says. "This crib is great for babies under six months, as it has a weight limit and is not meant for babies over 18 pounds. This crib is CPSC certified, making it a safe choice for your newborn. The mesh fabric is breathable and the crib bounces, so you can lull your baby to sleep."
3Graco Pack'N Play Playard Jetsetter
Expert: Sage Singleton
Pick: Graco Pack'N Play Playard Jetsetter, $108, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "This travel crib is made of mesh and collapses with the push of a button," Singleton says. "It collapses into a small and light crib, perfect for travel or family visits. It ranges around $100."
4Graco Pack and Play
Expert: Michelle LaRowe Conover, a parenting author and editor-in-chief of eNannySource.com. Michelle is a International Nanny Association Credentialed Nanny specializing in caring for multiples and has been partnering with parents in raising their children since 1994.
Pick: Graco Pack and Play Classic, $50, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "Graco's Pack and Play has been a staple in households for years," LaRowe Conover says. "With the flat, firm surface it doubles as a sleeper and play yard for parents who need a safe space to keep baby while on the go."
5Arm's Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper
Expert: Michelle LaRowe Conover
Pick: Arm's Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper, $155, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "Keep your baby close with the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper," LaRowe Conover says. "You can set it up independently or attach to your bed so you can sleep soundly while baby sleeps safely."
6Joovy Foocot
Expert: Michelle LaRowe Conover
Pick: Joovy Foocot, $45, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "Joovy Foocot is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who need to nap on the go," LaRowe Conover says. "It's practical and portable and makes nap time fun."
7BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
Expert: George Knapp of PBandJBabyproofing.com started his own building and remodeling company in 1993 and was often asked by parents to install gates and safety products for babies and toddlers. Time after time, his company declined. "One day I stopped declining, two safety courses and plenty of research and I find myself happily helping new parents all over Connecticut to make their homes as safe as possible."
Pick: BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light, $210, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "Mothers have said this if a lifesaver for traveling," Knapp says. "They continue to use them even after their toddlers start walking because of it being a secure place for their child to sleep."
8Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet
Expert: George Knapp
Pick: Brica Fold N' Go Travel Bassinet, $27, Amazon
Why It's Recommended: "Travel bassinets by Brica make for easy air travel," Knapp says. "They are extremely light weight and easy to clean."
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