Do you live in a small apartment? You may be an adventurous family with a taste for travel. Or you only need a crib on wheels for easy mobility around your home. In any case, you need a portable crib that can keep up with your lifestyle while providing a safe and comfortable sleeping space for your precious bundle of joy. To help you find the perfect type and model, we’ll take you through the top, best-rated portable cribs on the market, helping you choose the perfect one for your baby’s safety and comfort.
The group of portable cribs is quite versatile and includes a wide range of options to cater to various needs. From mini wooden cribs on wheels meant to save space in your home to travel cribs intended for traveling and temporary setups.
Each sub-type offers distinct advantages; therefore, we’ve thoughtfully chosen the best-rated options within each one.
3 TOP-rated portable cribs
Best Portable Pack ‘N Play
Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard
Best Travel Crib
Guava Lotus Travel Crb
Best Mini Portable Crib
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
→ Skip straight to other Top-Rated Portable Cribs in 2023!
Types of Portable Cribs
With numerous models available, picking the right one can be confusing. However, your decision will be much easier by understanding their key features, along with their pros and cons.
Portable crib types:
- Pack ‘N Play (Playard)
- Travel crib
- Mini portable crib
- Full-size portable crib
1. Pack ‘N Play (Playard)
Playards are a versatile category of portable cribs. They come with features like changing tables, bassinets, and built-in storage, making them ideal for multifunctional use. They can be a safe substitute for a regular crib or a travel baby bed, as they fold down small and fold into a carrying bag.
PROS
- Weighs less than a mini and full-size portable crib
- You can move it around your home easily
- Playards can serve multiple functions, including a playpen, a changing table, and a sleep space
- Designed to be portable and easy to set up and fold down
- Typically, it comes with a carrying bag for traveling
- Withstands the wear and tear of active play
- Small footprint
- Tend to be more affordable than travel cribs and full-size portable cribs
CONS
- Not as esthetically pleasing as a crib
- Sleep space is smaller than in a full-size portable crib
- The mattresses in Playards are typically thinner and less comfortable for long-term sleep
- Less durable than a wooden crib
- Weighs more than travel cribs
- Children may outgrow them sooner than a full-size crib
2. Travel crib
Travel cribs, on the other hand, are specifically designed for on-the-go parents. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to set up, making them perfect for vacations, visits to grandparents’ houses, or any situation where you need a safe sleeping space for your baby while away from home. Their portability and ease of use make them a must-have for families who love to travel.
PROS
- Lightweight and designed for easy transport
- Perfect for traveling, camping, playing, etc.
- It folds down easily, quickly, and compactly
- Easy and quick setting
- Included travel bag, often in the shape of a suitcase or backpack
- Small footprint
CONS
- Smaller than Pack ‘N Play
- They can be more expensive than basic Playards and mini portable cribs
- There are no additional features, like a lifted newborn bassinet, changing table, etc.
- Due to their lightweight construction, their mattress is placed on the floor for better stability
3. Mini portable crib
A mini wooden crib on wheels provides a stylish and space-efficient solution for nurseries or small living spaces. It can be easily moved from room to room, allowing you to keep your baby close by. These cribs offer both convenience and aesthetics, making them a popular choice for parents.
PROS
- Doesn’t occupy a lot of space
- Stand on wheels for easy mobility
- Typically folds down for easy storage
- Sturdier than Pack ‘N Play and travel crib
- Most of them have an included mattress pad
- Mini portable cribs take mini-mattresses that are thicker and more comfortable than Playard or travel crib mattresses
- Lasts longer than a Pack’ N Play
- More durable
- Smaller than full-size cribs, making them suitable for small spaces
CONS
- Children outgrow mini portable cribs sooner than full-size model
- Lack the extra features of Playards
- Some models do fit into a car trunk, but they are primarily not intended for travel
- Mini portable cribs can be more expensive than basic Playards
4. Full-size portable crib
A full-size portable crib has the same interior dimensions as a standard-sized crib, while it takes up less space due to its minimalist and sleek frame. Their design makes them more compact and easier to move than traditional fixed cribs.
A full-size portable crib stands on wheels and might even fold down without disassembly. But on the end of the road, these are still full-size cribs, so you can not take them on the road.
PROS
- Larger sleeping area than in other portable crib types so your child can use it the longest
- Their inner dimensions are standardized, so they can fit any full-size crib mattress
- Thicker mattresses for the most comfortable sleep
- Some portable cribs convert into a toddler bed and daybed
- Sturdier than Pack ‘N Play and travel crib
- Built to last and withstand long-term use
- Compact and sturdy
CONS
- They require more space in your home
- They are larger and heavier than other portable options, making them unsuitable for travel
- Heaviest
- Full-size portable cribs are generally more expensive than other portable cribs
Best-Rated Portable Cribs in 2023
- Travel Cribs
- Playards (Pack ‘N Plays)
- Mini Portable Cribs
- Full-size Portable Cribs
Top-Rated Portable Cribs for Traveling with a Baby
1. Best Travel Crib
Guava Lotus Travel Crb with Lightweight Backpack
SIZE: 45.5″ L x 31.5″ W x 25.5″ H | WEIGHT: 15 lbs | FOLDS TO: 24″ x 12″ x 8″ | CARRYING BAG: yes, it can convert to a comfortable backpack | WHEELS: no
2. Most comfortable travel crib
Newton Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard
SIZE: 51″ x 34.5″ x 28.5″ | WEIGHT: 17 lbs | FOLDS TO: 35″ x 12.5″ x 11″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: no
3. The Lightest Travel Crib
Dream On Me Travel Light Playard
SIZE: 40.5″ L x 27.0″ W x 26.0″ H | WEIGHT: 10.6 lbs | FOLDS TO: 23.75″ x 6″ x 18.75″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: no
4. Travel Crib with the Smallest Fold
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light
SIZE: 44.0″ L x 25.0″ W x 32.0″ H | WEIGHT: 13 lbs | FOLDS TO: 19.0″ x 23.5″ x 5.5″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: no
Best-Rated Playards (Pack ‘N Plays)
5. Top Rated Pack and Play
Graco Pack ‘N Play On The Go Playard
SIZE: 39.5″ L x 28.25″ W x 29.0″ H | WEIGHT: 21.43 lbs | FOLDS TO: 10.5″ X 9.25″ X 29.0″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: yes, front wheels
6. Best-Rated Nursery Center Playard
Graco Pack ‘n Play® Travel Dome™ LX Playard
SIZE: 37.0″ L x 28.5″ W x 27.0″ H | WEIGHT: 33.07 lbs | FOLDS TO: 25.75″ x 10.0″ x 10.0″ | CARRYING BAG: yes, 2 carrying bags for both the Pack ‘N Play and its Portable Bassinet | WHEELS: yes, front wheels
7. Top Budget-Friendly Nursery Center
Pamo Babe Portable Baby Nursery Center Baby Playard
SIZE: 44.0″ L x 25.0″ W x 32.0″ H | WEIGHT: 13 lbs | FOLDS TO: 19.0″ x 23.5″ x 5.5″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: no
8. Most stylish Playard
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
SIZE: 43.0″ L x 30.0″ W x 29.0″ H | WEIGHT: 23 lbs | FOLDS TO: 12.25″ x 12.75″ x 29″ | CARRYING BAG: yes | WHEELS: no
Best-Rated Mini Portable Cribs
9. Editor’s Choice
Babyletto Origami Mini Portable Crib
SIZE: 39.25″ L x 25.75″ W x 36.0″ H | WEIGHT: 50 lbs | FOLDS TO: 39.25″ x 7.0″ x 36.0″ | CARRYING BAG: no | WHEELS: yes
10. Best Bang for the Buck
Delta Children Folding Portable Mini Baby Crib
SIZE: 39.0″ L x 25.0″ W x 38.0″ H | WEIGHT: 28.66 lbs | FOLDS TO: 40.0″ x 6.5″ x 37.75″ | CARRYING BAG: no | WHEELS: yes
11. Best-Rated Mini Portable Crib with a Curvy Design
DaVinci Dylan Folding Portable 3-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
SIZE: 40.25″ L x 25.0″ W x 41.0″ (33″ on the front) H | WEIGHT: 36.75 lbs | FOLDS TO: 40.0″ x 7.5″ x 41.0″ | CARRYING BAG: no | WHEELS: yes
Top-Rated Full-Size Portable Cribs
12. Best Full-Size Portable Crib
Babyletto Maki Full-Size 2-in-1 Portable Folding Crib
SIZE: 54.00″L x 29.75″W x 37.50″H | WEIGHT: 60.00lbs | FOLDS TO: 53.0″ x 8.0″ x 29.0″ | CARRYING BAG: no | WHEELS: yes
13. Best-Rated Budget-Friendly Full-Size Portable Crib
Dream On Me, Full Size 2-in-1 Folding Stationary Side Crib
SIZE: 54.0″ L x 31.0″ W x 46.0″ H | WEIGHT: 30.5 lbs | FOLDS TO: 53.0″ x 7.0″ x 44.0″ | CARRYING BAG: no | WHEELS: yes
How do we select our best-rated portable cribs?
Our approach to choosing the best portable cribs involves a thorough research process that involves mini and full-size portable cribs, Pack ‘N Play options, and travel crib reviews. (You can find many of these reviews in the dedicated sections on our website.)
However, we believe that experiences are what count the most! Thus, our final ratings consist of points portable cribs received in our reviews and insights from trusted friends and numerous parents who generously shared their opinions.
Finally, based on all those factors, we have created a list of our best-rated portable cribs for 2023.
What to consider when buying a Portable Crib
1. Mobility:
- For in-home mobility, opt for a wooden mini or full-size portable crib. They offer durability and longevity.
- If you’ll be moving it short distances, choose a Pack ‘N Play or a mini portable crib.
- A full-size portable crib and mini portable crib are ideal for daily use. Choose a mini version if you are short of space.
- Go for a Pack ‘N Play or a travel crib for travel purposes. Both are suitable, just keep in mind that a folded Pack ‘N Play is heavier and bulkier than a travel crib.
2. Space Availability:
- Measure the available space for a crib or Pack ‘n Play.
- Determine which type of portable crib fits in it the most.
3. Folding Mechanism:
- While Pack ‘N Plays and travel cribs typically fold down, mini and full-size portable cribs may not. Consider this feature based on your needs and preferences.
- If you choose a folding crib, check its folded dimensions to ensure it fits in your intended storage space.
4. Wheels:
- Consider the type of flooring in your home. If you have carpets, prioritize cribs with well-sliding wheels for easy movement.
- Check the wheels so that they do not lack a locking mechanism.
5. Budget:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- If you are buying a mini or full-size portable crib, remember to account for a safe crib mattress in your overall cost.
6. Design:
- With a wide variety of portable crib designs available, you will surely find one that complements your furniture and style.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right portable crib for your needs.
Which crib mattress fits a portable crib?
It’s important to understand that different subtypes of portable cribs require specific mattress types for a secure and comfortable fit.
Mini portable cribs typically come with a basic 1-inch mattress pad. While this is better than nothing, I recommend choosing a higher-quality crib mattress. While the measurements of mini cribs and mattresses are not standardized, in most cases, their inner dimensions are approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm) by 24 inches (60.96 cm), which aligns with most mini crib mattresses on the market.
On the contrary, the government regulates the size of full-size cribs (including portable) and standard crib mattresses. Any standard-size crib mattress should fit into any full-size crib on the market.
Travel cribs and Pack ‘N Plays include a mattress pad. If you want a more comfortable one, select a travel mattress designed for your chosen model. Never use a regular crib mattress, as it is too thick for a travel crib or Pack ‘N Play and thus unsafe for your baby!
Your guide related to choosing cribs is best so far. I need one suggestion from you. Can you please check BABYBJORN Cradle this one and give a review about I should buy it or not?
Hi Hallen,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad our guide related to choosing a suitable portable crib helped you.
A quality and safe baby bassinet, such as BABYBJORN Cradle, is a suitable alternative for those who do not fit a mini portable crib next to their bed. It is lightweight, meets all required safety standards, and provides cool features, such as gentle rocking motions. However, …
The BABYBJORN Cradle is a trendy choice, but I would rather choose a crib! Your child can use a crib, even a mini model, much longer. It is more comfortable for your baby, sturdier, and has better stability. Together with a proper crib mattress, it provides the best sleeping surface for a baby’s bone and muscle development.
And last but not least, a quality crib with a tight-fitting and firm crib mattress costs less than a BABYBJORN Cradle. That is surely worth your consideration!
Regards, Ines!
This looks AMAZING!
tnx
This is amazing! Space saving and so convenient for long nights with my new baby. I’ve got to have one of these!!
Hi Tom!
I agree with you! Portable cribs are very convenient, as you can move them from room to room. But the best portable models must have “the whole package”, which includes not only convenience but safety, beautiful design, and more.
We had studied numerous models, and in our opinion, those are the best portable cribs on the market right now.
Have a nice day!
BLP
That’s absolutely amazing! You offer a lot of information to us, tnx. This portable cribs are very good quality and there’s a variety you can choose from. Information on each crib etc is provided. Very well formatted on page too.
Well done 👍 . This site is very good for mothers to be,
Tnx Shy!
We are trying our best to provide the lists of the best baby gear on the market. Yes, we made this site mainly for parents to be! That’s why you can find a lot of information for pregnant women on our site as well.
We had picked only the best rated portable cribs for this article, so we are certain all parents can find a model that suits their family needs. 🙂
As we invest a lot of time in researches and reviews, this is a nice encouragement for us!
Regards, Ines
I’m not sure if I’m wrong, but I regard wooden cribs to be more of a certain fixture in a bedroom rather than being portable, but perhaps that’s because I’ve never seen one before?
If I was going to have a portable crib then I would go for a travel crib as it looks easier to transfer from room to room or to another house.
Is the travel crib easier to transport over a wooden portable crib?
I’m not sure if I’m wrong but I regard wooden cribs to be more of a certain fixture in a bedroom rather than being portable but perhaps that’s because I’ve never seen one before?
If I was going to have a portable crib then I would go for a travel crib as it looks easier to transfer from room to room or to another house.
Is the travel crib easier to transport over a wooden portable crib?
You are not wrong. Majority of wooden cribs are meant to stay in place!
However, there are wooden cribs on wheels that you can move from room to room.
Of course, portability, in this case, means something completely different as with travel cribs or Pack’n Plays.
Yes, portable wooden cribs are a great choice for occasional movements around the house, but for traveling or lots of movement around the house, picking a lightweight travel would be a better decision!
Because parents have different expectations for portable cribs, we included all the portable types in our list. To minimize the confusion we have divided our list of the best rated portable cribs on smaller sections as well.
Regards, Baby’s Little Place