Traveling with a newborn can be an ordeal, to say the least. But having the right baby gear can make a significant difference. If you’re traveling overnight with a young baby, a travel bassinet is an essential piece of gear.
Smaller and much lighter than a pack-n-play, these compact, portable bassinets or travel cribs provide a cozy and safe place for your little one to sleep. They’re perfect for hotel rooms, Air BnBs, or your in-law’s house. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’re going to share the best portable baby beds available and help you know what to look for when shopping for one.
This post may contain affiliate links to products we love and recommend. These come at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business!
The Best Travel Bassinets
While there are tons of portable cribs on the market, here are our picks for the best baby travel bassinets:
Overall Best Portable Bassinet: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere
Travel Bassinet Features
The Chicco LullaGo is our favorite for many reasons. It is so lightweight. If I’m going to be lugging baggage through the airport or subway, I want something that is super light. The Chicco definitely checks this off, weighing in at only 12 pounds. The convenient travel bag makes it easy to lug around and will fit in an overhead compartment of an airplane. (Unfortunately, the bag doesn’t close at the top, so it will not work for checked luggage.)
Included with the Chicco LullaGo are a firm, waterproof mattress pad and fitted sheet. The side panels are made of mesh which allows for maximum breathability. There’s another pocket for putting baby items, such as pacifiers.
Assembly is simple, as the metal legs snap on and off. For easy cleaning, the bassinet fabric is unzippable and machine washable.
And the LullaGo is a quality bassinet- it is eco-friendly and Greenguard gold-certified. (For more information about what this means, see here.)
If you want an upgrade, you can purchase the LullaGo LE travel bassinet. It features wooden legs for upgraded style and a canopy to help block light.
Chicco LullaGo Pros
Chicco LullaGo Cons
Best Portable Bassinet under $50: Dream On Me Karley Plus Portable Bassinet
Travel Bassinet Features
This budget-friendly travel bassinet is perfect for your next family vacation. It is lightweight, as it weighs only 14 pounds. It is easy to fold and takes up little space when it is folded (25” L x 7” W x 19” H)
Included with the travel bassinet are a firm mattress pad (meets flame retardant requirements of CPSC), a removable double canopy to keep the bugs away, and a large storage bag.
The Dream on Me Karley was designed with mesh sides for airflow and easy-to-clean polyester fabric. It is quick to fold and easy to stow or set out of the way, as it stays upright when folded. There are 5 different color/pattern options for you to choose from.
This portable bassinet has a maximum weight limit of 25 pounds and 6 months of age and it is JPMA-certified.
Dream On Me Pros
Dream On Me Cons
Best Rocking Portable Bassinet: ComfyBumpy Travel Bassinet
Travel Bassinet Features
The ComfyBumpy travel bassinet is our favorite if you are looking for a bassinet that rocks. It weighs in at 16.5 pounds and includes a carry bag for easy portability. It is designed for babies 25 pounds or lighter.
The ASTM-approved cradle has a steel frame and mesh walls so your baby can safely sleep. Unlike some of the other bassinets, it is low to the ground, giving it a more secure feel, although you will have to bend down more when you lie baby in it. One end of the bassinet is solid fabric, so you do have to make sure you lay baby with his or her head on the mesh end. If your baby is able to move around, then we would not recommend using this travel bassinet.
It does take a few minutes to assemble and disassemble, so it’s not as simple as other bassinets. But the rocking mode really sets it apart. It is easy to switch from rocking to stable mode.
The ComfyBumpy travel bassinet also includes a fitted sheet, hygienic urine pad, mosquito net the carrying bag we mentioned previously.
ComfyBumpy Pros
ComfyBumpy Cons
Runner-Up Rocking Portable Bassinet: ANGELBLISS 3-in-1 Rocking Bassinet
Travel Bassinet Features
The AngelBliss travel bassinet is our second pick in the rocking category. It is a little heavier than the ComfyBumpy, but not by much. It also has a lower recommended baby weight limit of 20 pounds.
The AngelBliss has a unique rocking feature that can be locked or unlocked. In rocking mode, the bassinet has a horizontal sway motion, in which the legs are stationary and only the crib moves. It is different than other rocking bassinets we have seen. Some users have complained that it is difficult to move the unlocking mechanism at first.
This travel bassinet includes a carry bag for travel and measures 20.5″ x 19.7 ” x 6″, which is great for air travel.
The snap-on legs are easy to assemble and disassemble. The mesh sides allow for maximum airflow. Users mentioned that the mesh feels thick and well-made while providing great ventilation.
Another unique feature is the adjustable mattress pad angle to accommodate babies with reflux. Several moms said it made a huge difference for their babies; however, some users could not figure out how to use this feature.
The product description claims that this travel crib is a 3-in-1, but that seemed a bit unnecessary to us. It’s basically a rocking or stable bassinet, which is great but didn’t fit the description of other true 3-in-1 travel cribs.
AngelBliss Pros
AngelBliss Cons
Best Travel Crib for Older Babies: Lotus Travel Crib
Travel Bassinet Features
If you’re looking for a baby travel bed that will work with your newborn or older baby, we recommend you try the Lotus travel crib. It is very lightweight at only 15 pounds. It is GREAT for travel and flying. When packed up, it has a unique backpack design, which makes it so much easier to carry than with a carry handle. It also fits in an overhead compartment in a plane.
The Lotus travel crib is easy to put up and take down. It easily unfolds and locks into place. There’s no assembly required.
This travel crib is eco-friendly and Greenguard gold-certified. You’ll feel safe letting your baby sleep in it. It also features breathable mesh sides for maximum airflow.
Another feature of this travel crib is the easy access side zipper door. If you’re like me and remember trying to bend down over a pack-n-play to lay your sleeping baby down without falling in, you’ll love the side opening. Just remember to unzip before trying to lay baby down. This side zipper is also great for toddlers- they love climbing in and out!
Lotus Pros
Lotus Cons
Runner-Up Travel Crib for Older Babies: The Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light
Travel Bassinet Features
The Babybjörn Travel Crib is designed for newborns up to 3 years old (or until the child is able to crawl out of the travel crib). It is one of the most lightweight travel cribs available at only 13 pounds and includes a nice-looking travel case for easy portability.
According to users, it is very easy to set up and take down compared to other travel cribs. In fact, they say it takes only seconds to assemble, which is a major plus when you’re exhausted from a day of travel.
The fully mesh sides allow for maximum airflow. The mattress pad has a polyester cover. If you want a Babybjörn travel crib with a fitted sheet, they also offer this bundle or there are lots of different fitted sheets available. We are big fans of these.
Another thing to mention is that this travel crib is eco-friendly and non-toxic. It meets Oeko-Tex vigorous independent certification standards.
Baby Bjorn Pros
Baby Bjorn Cons
Best Modular Portable Bassinet: Silver Cross Slumber 3-in-1 Travel Crib
Travel Bassinet Features
This three-in-one travel bassinet transforms from a newborn bassinet to a toddler crib to a toddler play yard. It works for every age and stage of your baby. Weighing in at 20 pounds, it’s heavier than some of our other recommended portable bassinets, but its functionality more than makes up for that. The toddler crib can accommodate children up to 50 pounds, which means it grows with your baby. If you don’t want to make one purchase for a travel crib, this is the one for you.
The Silver Cross Slumber features one expandable mattress that will work for both the bassinet and toddler crib. It has mesh sides for maximum airflow, stain-resistant fabric, and a weatherproof bag with a carry handle and shoulder strap.
We love the zip-up door feature for easy entry into the play yard. And we also love how easy it is to open and close. You just shake it to open up the play yard. The bassinet insert attaches with easy zippers and snaps. It’s super easy to fold back down, as well.
The Silver Cross Slumber might cost more than other options, but it does include a 3-year warranty and is made to last.
Silver Cross Pros
Silver Cross Cons
Runner-Up Modular Portable Bassinet: Graco DreamMore 3-in-1
Travel Bassinet Features
The Graco DreamMore 3-in-1 has 3 modes for babies and toddlers: Bedside bassinet, portable bassinet, and toddler play yard. Removing the legs turns it into a portable bassinet that sits on the ground. When converted into a play yard, it has a zippered door, for easy entry. It is easy to set up and dismantle- just snap the legs on and off and fold them up.
A unique feature of the Graco travel bassinet is the vibration setting (2 speeds) that help with soothing some babies. It also has mesh sides for maximum airflow, an adjustable canopy, a travel bag, and a machine-washable travel cover. From what we can tell, there are no fitted sheets available for this mattress, though you may be able to find some that work.
This travel baby bed weighs more than other models. It checks in at 25.05 lbs, which is pretty heavy if you’ll be carrying it on your shoulder for an extended amount of time. But it is sturdy and feels very well made, so if you’ll mostly be using it around the house or taking it for trips in the car, I wouldn’t be as concerned about the weight.
Like other travel cribs, this one can accommodate babies and toddlers. The bassinet weight limit is 20 pounds and the toddler plays yard height limit is 35″. It does include a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty and meet’s industry safety standards.
Graco Pros
Graco Cons
Best Portable Bassinet for Sleeping on the Go: UPPAbaby Bassinet
Travel Bassinet Features
The UPPAbaby portable baby bassinet attachment is designed to work with the UPPAbaby stroller, including the UPPAbaby VISTA 2015-later, VISTA V2, CRUZ, CRUZ V2, RIDGE, and MINU V2 strollers. It’s perfect if your travels include a lot of on-the-go activities. You can easily transition a sleeping baby from the bassinet at the hotel to the stroller as you walk around town.
This portable baby bed is well-covered, which many users said they love, as it keeps others and their germs from getting too close to their newborns. It is designed for breathability and airflow with a vented base and sleeping pad. The UPF 50+ canopy can also be unzipped for added ventilation on warm days. Some users said that it was too hot for their baby in the summer heat, so use discretion when taking baby outdoors.
The mattress cover included is machine washable and the liner unzips for easy cleaning. Not included but available for purchase is a foldable bassinet stand to use at home or for travel.
The UPPAbaby travel bassinet is very lightweight at only 8 lbs, which makes it super nice for moving around. It is suitable from birth up to 20 lbs or until the infant can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first
The UPPAbaby bassinet includes a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is longer than some other brands.
UPPAbaby Pros
UPPAbaby Cons
What should I consider when choosing a travel bassinet?
When choosing a baby travel bassinet, it is important to consider your needs, as well as preferences. Here are some questions to ask yourself when shopping and choosing your travel baby bed:
What kind of travel will you be doing?
Will you be doing back-and-forth travel to grandparents? Will most of your travel be in the car? If so, you could get away with folding bassinets with or without a travel bag.
Will some of your trips include air travel? If so, then definitely choose a lightweight travel crib that fits inside an easy-to-carry bag. If it will fit in an overhead compartment on the airplane, that is even better, so that it does not get damaged in cargo.
How often will you be using the baby travel bassinet?
Will you be using your travel bassinet daily or just for a once-in-a-while trip? Remember, true bassinets only work for babies 25 pounds at the most. Do you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a travel bassinet that you’ll only use once?
However, if your travel bassinet is also going to be your bassinet at home, you might consider investing in a nicer, more comfortable option for your baby.
How easy is it to assemble and disassemble?
When you’re exhausted from travel or have a cranky, tired baby, the last thing you want to do is fight with the baby gear. If it takes you longer than a few minutes to assemble and disassemble your portable travel crib, then it’s taking too long.
Watch user videos about assembly- if they’re struggling you might want to choose something else. With options that shake or fold open, you can definitely find something simple that the babysitter or grandparents can figure out without prior experience.
How fast is your baby growing?
Some babies seem to stay tiny forever. But then you have those babies that are rolling and the size of a 6-month-old after a couple of weeks! If your baby is ahead of the growth curve, they might not be able to use a bassinet for very long, so a travel crib might be a better purchase for you, to make the most of your money.
Do you want a separate travel bassinet and porta-crib?
Since there are options for a true travel bassinet, a portable crib, and a combination baby travel bed, you need to decide which options are right for you. It is more space and cost-effective to purchase the combo baby travel bed. You’ll make on purchase and it will last your baby through toddlerhood. If you are planning to have multiple babies, a bassinet and separate portable crib might be the best option for you. It really depends on your budget, storage space in your home, and how many babies you have or plan to have.
What certifications are important to you?
When shopping for a baby bassinet, it is important to look for certifications and safety labels that guarantee the product meets certain standards. Also, many bassinets come with additional features that are designed to improve safety and comfort, such as mesh walls, and adjustable heights. It is super important to only choose baby beds with high industry standards, certifications, and safety labels from trusted organizations.
Common Certifications on Baby Products
At the least, baby bassinets must be certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If there is ever a recall of a product, the CPSC is responsible for informing and handling recalls.
Other common certifications/standards to look for include ASTM International and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), which ensure that the baby travel bassinet meets specific safety standards, like stability, size, and materials.
- Oeko-Tex Certification
- International certification program
- The most widely recognized certification
- Guarantees that certified products are free of hazardous substances and chemicals
- Oeko-Tex-certified products must go through a rigorous testing process, and the standards are updated regularly to ensure that they remain up-to-date with the latest safety standards.
- Greenguard Gold Certification
- Program developed by UL Environment and the Greenguard Environmental Institute to ensure that products meet strict indoor air quality standards
- Products that are Greenguard Gold certified have been tested for a variety of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other chemicals that could potentially be dangerous to human health
- Requires products to be tested for emissions and other environmental factors to ensure that they are safe for use in both residential and commercial indoor spaces.
What is my budget?
With so many options for travel bassinets, there is absolutely an option for nearly every budget. There are options below $50 if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to spend a lot on a bed that you might only use a couple of times. Or if you have disposable income and want to purchase a more luxurious option with more features for your baby, then you have plenty of choices. You are sure to find a portable baby bassinet that will work for your wallet.
Tips for saving money on travel bassinets:
Shop around holiday sales
Look for coupons or cash-back opportunities (I love racking up cash on Ibotta! Use my code ‘sqksada’ to get $10 after your first purchase!)
Add the item to your Amazon wishlist and get alerts when the price drops
What kind of warranty is offered?
Some of the travel bassinets we mentioned offered warranties. It’s important to determine what is covered by the warranty. Some warranties are full warranties, that require the company to repair or replace the item should there be a problem (not including normal wear and tear).
Some products offer limited warranties, which are different than a full warranty. The scope of a limited manufacturer’s warranty is determined by the manufacturer, so make sure you understand what will be covered should the travel crib you purchase have such a warranty.
Will the portable crib require extra purchases?
Photos can often be misleading. When searching for a portable baby bed, make sure you carefully read the product descriptions. Some travel cribs appear to have lots of additional features, but sometimes they require an extra purchase, which can add up.
Do your research and make sure you know exactly what is included and what you’ll have to spring for on top of the travel bed.
Wrapping-Up
We hope this guide has been helpful for you as you search for your portable baby bassinet. With so many great options on the market, we know there is something for everyone. You’re sure to find a travel bassinet that is easy to use, lightweight, easy to tote around, safe and durable, and comfortable for your baby. We wish you all the best on your travels and hope baby (and you!) get lots of great sleep!
