Play yards and travel cribs are a great addition to your baby gear lineup, as they provide a safe sleeping space while traveling and a safe play area for any time. Need a crib at grandma's house? These travel cribs fold up and out of the way when you're not there, and some will even expand into a convenient changing station to use while visiting. There are so many great options when it comes to play yards and travel cribs, but what sets each apart? Which travel crib/play yard is best for you? We've got the perfect lineup for you, with highlights on which ones are ideal for different circumstances. Scroll to the bottom for a comprehensive comparison chart and find your dream play yard/travel crib!
Before we begin, a couple of pro tips:
- Before traveling, make sure to try your new travel crib out at home where your little one is comfortable! When you do travel, they'll already be familiar with the different sleep environment!
- Add a SlumberPod for complete blackout naps during the day, anywhere, anytime! This game-changer's compatibility with the below playards is noted in the comparison chart.
UPPAbaby REMI - The Everything Station
For parents that like to accessorize, look no further than the UPPAbaby REMI playard. Out of the box, REMI is ready from birth with its zip-on bassinet attachment, and ready to go anywhere with its included travel bag. It's got a unique-to-REMI window on the front that zips open to help with cleanup, as well as to easily access your child. Our favorite add-on accessory is the sunshade canopy, which allows you to give your child a little extra shade in sunny rooms for naps, or even create a sun and bug barrier while you're outside! It also has a changing station accessory that clips onto the side, and conveniently folds back over when not in use. Add on the changing station organizer to store all of your wipes, creams, and diapers to have the ideal setup. You'll also find a padded travel bag for those who travel on planes often, which provides a safe barrier for check-ins. This play pen is GREENGUARD Gold certified, and has an organic mattress cover included so your little one can rest in a non-toxic nest.
If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors at sports games, porch chilling, or gardening and don't want the bugs or sun to bother your little one, REMI is for you.
Nuna Sena Aire - The Sturdy Station
Meet the winner of the reddot award, the Nuna Sena Aire travel crib! This innovative crib features a zig-zag frame and skid-proof feet that make it extra sturdy. This GREENGUARD Gold certified pack and play includes GOTS-certified organic sheets, as well as a clip on changing station as an optional accessory. If you're not interested in the changing station accessory, or your little one is past that stage, you can always opt for the Nuna Cove Aire Go, which includes all of the features of the Sena Aire (sans changing station accessory) and is one inch larger for more play space. This travel crib is super breathable, with a ventilated mesh mattress that pulls away both heat and humidity. If you love the Granite color, and want the changer accessory, the Cove Aire Go + Bassinet bundle will save you $10! There is also an insect net accessory, sold exclusively at nunababy.com, for outside fun without the bugs!
If you're looking for a sturdy travel crib and changing station that will be ideal for staying with the grandparents, the Sena Aire from nuna will be sure to impress them with its quality!
BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light - The Traveling Station
If you're always traveling, you'll want to meet our lightest travel crib from BabyBjörn - weighing in at a mere 14 lbs, and with an included travel bag, this travel cot is ready for any adventure. While the Travel Crib Light doesn't include a bassinet for infants, its design is geared towards babies and toddlers and is unique in that it doesn't have a bottom (it rests on the floor) so you don't ever have to worry about a weight limit! The Travel Crib Light is extremely easy to assemble, with users raving about it being the best pack and play travel cot for traveling to hotels and beyond.
If you're on the market for a lightweight travel crib companion, and one that'll never max out on weight, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light won't let you down!
Bugaboo Stardust - The Easy-Fold Station
The lightweight Stardust from Bugaboo is one of the easiest folding travel cribs we've ever seen. In one second, your Stardust travel crib opens and folds up without even needing to bend down. The built-in mattress folds up in it as well, no need to pull anything out! Ready to be your companion from birth, this play yard includes a zip-in bassinet attachment. The Stardust is the smallest in this lineup of play yards, so if you have a small space, that's a big plus!
If you're looking for a no-fuss play yard that will never make you bend down, the Bugaboo Stardust is the travel crib for you!
Venice Child Daydreamer - The Double Station
Having twins? The Daydreamer from Venice Child is the ideal option, and the largest option for parents that want more space for their child to play. Although slightly more involved than the others listed above to set up as its double-wide setup needs extra support to ensure your little one is stable, the installation is still very simple and definitely worth it for the extra space you'll get. The ample space on this play pen is ideal for filling with non-toxic balls and toys to keep your little one(s) entertained. This play yard is also geared towards babies and toddlers, though you might want to wait if you have a newborn, as the crib does not come with a bassinet attachment.
If you're having multiples, or want more space for your little one to play, the Venice Child Daydreamer Play Pen is the one for you!
ⓘ Click the image below to view a full sized play yard comparison chart
Looking for weekly pregnancy updates & advice from industry experts?
