Planning your next travel and wondering whether to get a travel crib or bassinet? Sleep is important. So, finding one that provides a comfortable space for your child will make your family travel easier.
Make sure you follow Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) recommendations for providing a safe sleep environment for you baby.
In this article, we discuss the differences between travel cribs and travel bassinets and compare the most popular ones available on the market now.
Read here for information on traveling internationally with a stroller. If you're looking for a travel stroller, read here for more information on the TernX travel stroller.
Read here to learn about baby travel essentials to have for your next trip.
Table of Contents
Can Babies Sleep in a Travel Bassinet?
Absolutely! Travel bassinets offer an area for babies to sleep in. They can be brought on any trip you go. In addition to that, you can do a few practise runs at home and make sure your little one is familiar with the space before your actual vacation.
How Long Can You Use a Travel Bassinet?
All travel bassinets have an indicator of the weight and age limit. There will be instructions that provide you guidelines regarding the maximum age at which your child can safely use the bassinet.
Is a Travel Bassinet Safe?
The short answer is yes. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest place for a baby to sleep is on a separate sleep surface designed for infants close to the parents’ bed. [1]
Travel bassinets offer a safe and secure environment for your little one. Make sure the travel bassinet is placed on a flat surface to reduce risk of suffocation and entrapment. [1]
It is also important to make sure the travel bassinet meets current ASTM safety standards for bassinets, cribs, bedside sleepers and play yards. Products that do not meet standards are likely to be unsafe for infant sleep and is not recommended. [1]
Can You Use a Travel Bassinet with a Newborn?
Yes, your newborn can use a travel bassinet as long as the travel bassinet meets safety standards. A travel bassinet is a convenient option for your little one whenever they are away from home.
As a general rule of thumb, travel bassinets are suitable for babies up to 6 month old due to size of the bassinet.
How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Portable Bassinet?
The recommended duration for a baby to sleep in a portable bassinet can vary depending on the baby's age, size, and the specific bassinet model. In general, portable bassinet can fit a baby up to 6 month old.
Can a Newborn Sleep in a Portable Bassinet?
Yes! Portable bassinets are designed to provide a safe and cozy sleeping spot for newborns. They usually come with features like a firm mattress, breathable materials, and secure sides to ensure your little one stays comfortable. Just make sure your portable bassinet conforms with all the safety standards.
Do Babies Sleep Well in Travel Cots?
Babies can sleep well in travel cots as they are specifically designed to provide a comfortable and secure sleeping environment. Travel cots offer a safe and familiar space for babies to sleep while away from home.
Do not forget to use the travel cot prior to your vacation so that your baby is familiar with the environment. This way they will not have issues sleeping in the cot during your vacation.
What Age Can You Use a Bassinet Travel Cot?
Travel Bassinet (0-6 months)
The age at which you can use a travel bassinet typically starts from birth and lasts until around 6 months old. Bassinet attachments are often included with travel cots to provide maximum comfort for your newborns.
On the other hand, you can remove the bassinet attachments as your little ones become more mobile to give them enough space.
Travel Cot (0-3 years)
With regard to travel cots, it is generally suitable from birth up to around 3 years of age. As your child grows and becomes more independent, it is necessary to transition them to a regular bed or toddler bed.
Be mindful of the weight limit suggestions in your child's travel cot to make sure they fit the cot comfortably.
What Age Do Babies Stop Using Travel Cot?
The specific age at which babies stop using a travel cot can vary depending on the child's size, development, and weight and size limits. Most of the time, travel cots can be used by newborns up to three years old or depending on their weight, whichever comes first.
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13 Best Travel Bassinets
Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Afterglow Infant Sleeper
Weight: Weighs approximately 2.8 lbs or 1.27 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 33.5 x 14 x 8˝ or 85.1 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm.
Recommended Use: This product is suitable for 0-9 months old babies.
Pros: This product is a portable option for infants. It is made of breathable materials and is easy to clean.
Cons: You can no longer use it once your child reaches the maximum age and weight limit.
Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 2.45 lbs or 1.11 kgs which is a very lightweight travel crib.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 30 x 11.75 x 21.25" or 76.2 x 29.9 x 54 cm.
Recommended Use: It is recommended for use from newborn to 15 lbs or 7 kgs.
Pros: Easy to carry around and easy to set up, therefore making it convenient for travel. It comes with a removable cover that allows for easy cleaning.
Cons: It has limited usage time as babies may outgrow it quickly. Some users have mentioned the need for a firmer mattress.
Simmons Kids Ultracompact Travel Bassinet
Weight: Weighs around 10 lbs or 4.5 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 30.31 x 18.9 x 11.81” or 77 x 48 x 30 cm.
Recommended Use: This is recommended from birth up to 5 months old.
Pros: The fabrics of this product are easy to clean and machine washable.
Cons: The problem with this product is the thin mattress pad which may not be suitable for some babies.
Luckydove Travel Bassinet
Weight: Weighs around 27.7 lbs or 12.6 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 35.2 x 20 x 32" or 89.4 x 50.8 x 81.3 cm.
Recommended Use: It can hold babies from birth up to 35 lbs or 15.9 kgs.
Pros: Material is made from 100% polyester fiber mesh material which makes it more breathable.
Cons: This item was reported to be flimsy and has thin padding.
Lulyboo Lounge
Weight: Weighs around 3.8 lbs or 1.7 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 32 x 17 x 15" or 81.3 x 43.2 x 38.1 cm.
Recommended Use: It can be used from birth up to a few months but requires supervision.
Pros: It is lightweight and can be carried easily as a backpack.
Cons: It does not come with handles. Some users mentioned that the bottom layer lacks adequate support.
Fisher Price Stow ‘n Go Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 11.48 lbs or 5.2 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 33 x 18 x 26.5" or 83.8 x 45.7 x 67.3 cm.
Recommended Use: From newborns up until your baby begins to push up on hands and knees, or until they weigh around 19.8 lbs or 9 kgs.
Pros: Product is easy to assemble. It also provides soothing vibrations to help your baby sleep more comfortably.
Cons: It does not have wheels for easy transportation.
Dream on Me Karley Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 12.4 lbs or 5.6 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 34.5 x 19.5 x 37" or 87.6 x 49.5 x 94 cm.
Recommended Use: For newborns until the weight limit of 25 lbs or 11.3 kgs.
Pros: It is easy to fold and comes with storage below.
Cons: Some parts and corners may be difficult to clean due to the design.
ComfyBumpy Travel Bassinet
Weight: Weighs around 18 lbs or 8.2 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 34.45 x 19.09 x 23.23" or 87.5 x 48.5 x 59 cm.
Recommended Use: This product can be used from birth to 4 months old.
Pros: A portable baby bed that is easy to fold and unfold. It also comes with a mosquito net.
Cons: The product is one of the heavier bassinets.
MiClassic Portable Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 15.6 lbs or 7.1 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 36.60 x 22.20 x 28.00" or 93 x 56 x 71 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable for newborns up to 33 lbs or 15 kgs.
Pros: This product comes with a padded mattress and carry bag. It has a rocking mode option that help induce sleep.
Cons: It does not come with entertainment features such as background music and only has limited colors.
Dream on Me Traveler
Weight: Weighs 15.45 lbs or 7 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 37 x 22 x 27" or 94 x 55.9 x 68.6 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable for babies from birth to 3 months.
Pros: It is affordable and comes with a comfortable mattress.
Cons: Some consumers report it has a thin bassinet mattress.
Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 12 lbs or 5.4 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 30 x 18 x 28" or 76.2 x 45.7 x 71.1 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable from birth to a maximum weight limit of 20 lbs or 9.1 kgs.
Pros: It has a comfortable mattress. This bassinet is made up of mesh material which makes it breathable.
Cons: The issue with this product is the lack of wheels to move it around easily.
Delta Children EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bedsite Bassinet
Weight: Weighs 13.13 lbs to 6 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 41.7 x 20.7 x 24.8" or 105.9 x 52.6 x 63 cm.
Recommended Use: Newborns up to 5 months or weigh up to 15 lbs or 6.8 kgs, whichever comes first.
Pros: This product is easy to fold or unfold and comes with a travel bag.
Cons: There has been reports that the bassinet is low compared to other bassinets.
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bedside Crib Easy Folding Portable Crib
Weight: Weighs around 20 lbs or 9.1 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 24.5 x 36.1 x 32.7" or 62.2 x 91.7 x 83.1 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable for newborns until 5 months or up to the weight of 33lbs or 15 kgs.
Pros: It provides accessibility for parents and has a bedside sleeper design. It has pockets on the side for simple storage.
Cons: This product is quite heavy and lacks features for comfort like soothing music and rocking motion.
7 Best Travel Cribs
BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
Weight: Weighs 13 lbs or 5.9 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 19 x 5.5 x 23.5" or 48.3 x 14 x 59.7 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable from birth up to 3 years old.
Pros: The product is easy to assemble and breathable. It is lightweight and compact. Moreover, it is durable and sturdy for younger babies. Babybjörn travel crib light is one of the portable cribs that you may choose from.
Cons: It does not have any zipper opening on the sides for easy access.
Silvercross Slumber Travel Crib
Weight: Weighs 15.4 lbs or 7 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 26.4 x 31.5 x 26.4" or 67 x 80 x 67 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable from birth up to 50lbs or 22.7kgs.
Pros: The product is easy to assemble and comes with a bassinet attachment. The mattress is also thicker than other travel cribs.
Cons: The folded dimensions is larger than other travel cribs.
Guava Lotus Travel Crib
Weight: Weighs around 15 lbs or 6.9 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5" or 90.2 x 80.01 x 64.8 cm.
Recommended Use: It is suitable for newborns up to three years old.
Pros: It has a side zipper for easy access. Provides a sturdy and comfortable mattress for your little ones. It has convenient shoulder straps and can be carried around on your back.
Cons: Some users have found it difficult to fold.
Bugaboo Stardust Portacot
Weight: Weighs around 17.2 lbs or 7.8 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 25 x 38.8 x 33.5" or 63.5 x 99 x 85 cm.
Recommended Use: It is suitable for newborns up to two years old.
Pros: It is simple to open and set up.
Cons: The travel crib is smaller than other travel cribs and the mattress has a center fold which can be uncomfortable compared to other travel crib mattresses.
Phil & Teds Traveller Crib
Weight: Weighs 6 lbs or 2.8 kgs.
Production Dimensions: Dimensions are 46″ x 31″ x 24.8” or 116.8 x 78.7 x 63 cm.
Recommended Use: This product is suitable for babies from birth up to 2 years old.
Pros: It is a 4-in-1 portacot giving you the ability to transform from playpen to bedside crib and more.
Cons: Some parents reported the mattress did not feel comfortable and it can take some time to assemble.
Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go
Weight: Weighs around 21.43 lbs or 9.7 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 39.5 x 28.3 x 29" or 100.3 x 71.8 x 73.7 cm.
Recommended Use: Newborns up to 25 lbs or 11.3 kgs.
Pros: It has wheels for more portability and comes with a bassinet attachment.
Cons: The weight limit is lower and you cannot use it when your little ones can stand up on their own.
KidCo Peapod Infant Travel Bed
Weight: Weighs around 2.45 lbs or 1.1 kgs.
Product Dimensions: Dimensions are 46 x 18 x 28” or 116.8 x 45.7 x 71.1 cm.
Recommended Use: Suitable from 6 months old up to 3 year old.
Pros: This is the lightest travel crib on the market today. This portable travel crib comes with a carrying bag.
Cons: It takes practice to fold and unfold. Sometimes when removed from bag, this crib can pop out instantly.
Pick Your Infant Travel Bed and Enjoy Safe Sleeping on Your Vacation
Everyone has different travel needs. Pick your travel bassinet based on your travel frequency, your little one's age as well as ease of set up. If you are looking for a travel bassinet specifically for travel, take into account the weight of the product as well as fold up dimensions.
Happy baby means happy vacation. Ensure your little one gets ample of sleep and everyone can enjoy a relaxing family travel.
Read here for travel hacks all parents need to know for an enjoyable vacation.
References:
[1]. Moon R Y, Carlin R F and Hand I. Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths. Pediatrics (2022)
