Traveling with a baby can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to their sleep and safety. As a frequent traveler and a mom, I’ve found that a travel crib (or portable playpen) is essential. It’s perfect for camping, the beach, the park, or any vacation.
I’d love to share my experiences on how I’ve made our vacations much more enjoyable and a lot less stressful!
Our First Trip with a Baby
I still remember our first vacation with our baby, Emma. We were heading to a beautiful villa on the coast of France. The thought of relaxation and the lovely surroundings was delightful, but I was also worried about how Emma would sleep during the day in an unfamiliar setting.
We had never heard of a travel crib, playpen, or anything like that and relied on the baby bed promised by the rental owner. Unfortunately, the bed wasn’t as safe and comfortable as we had hoped. Emma didn’t sleep well, and none of us got much rest.

The Travel Crib Solution
After that trip, I knew something had to change. Back home, I started looking for solutions and came across the travel crib, also known as a portable playpen.
We decided to get one for our next trip to Spain. This turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made.
Going on vacation with a travel crib was a game changer for us. Initially, I bought a small model, but after a few years, we upgraded to a larger one. If you’re curious about which model we got, click here.
Here’s how it helped us:
Safety
The travel crib provided a safe and stable sleeping spot for Emma during the day. The firm, flat base, enclosure, and breathable sides gave me peace of mind. No more worries about wobbly beds or her crawling away.
Familiar Sleeping Space
Emma always had a familiar place to sleep, no matter where we were. This travel crib became her personal sleep space, complete with her favorite blanket and stuffed animal. This made her feel secure and helped her sleep much better, even in new environments.
Sleep Routine
With the travel crib, we could maintain our usual routines. Emma could take her daytime naps as usual, and we followed the same rituals, like reading a story and singing a lullaby.
Comfort
What I appreciated most was how easy the travel crib was to transport and set up. The design is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, whether we traveled by car, plane, or train. Within minutes, her little tent-like crib was ready for use.
The Result of Our Other Vacations
Our trip to Spain became an unforgettable experience. We stayed in a lovely apartment in Barcelona. Emma slept soundly in her travel crib on the beach, allowing us to enjoy the vacation without worries.
Recommended Travel Cribs
If you’re considering getting a travel crib, here are some recommendations based on my experiences:
#1 Guava Lotus Travel Crib with Lightweight Backpack
The Guava Lotus Travel Crib has been a game-changer for our travels with our baby. Here’s why:
- Certified Safe: It’s GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals like PVC and lead.
- Super Portable: Weighing just 15 pounds, it folds compactly and can be carried as a backpack. It’s easy to set up in just a couple of seconds!
- Easy Access: The side door zips open for easy nursing and cuddling, turning it into a play yard too. The insulated mattress is comfy enough for overnight sleep (ages 0-3).
- Durable and Breathable: Made from high-quality aluminum with non-slip feet, it’s stable and sturdy.
- All-Inclusive: Comes with a mattress and a backpack carrying case. The covers are removable and washable, making cleaning a breeze. Plus, it’s backed by a two-year warranty.
#2 Pamo Babe Travel Crib
- 2-in-1 Design: It functions as both a baby crib and a playpen. The detachable mattress provides a comfortable and safe place for my baby to rest, and unzipping the side turns it into a spacious play area.
- Lightweight and Safe: The stable trapezoidal design ensures even weight distribution, preventing tilting and enhancing safety. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to set up, making it perfect for travel by car, train, or plane.
- Convenient Side Zipper Door: The mesh sides are soft and breathable, allowing me to see my baby easily. The side zipper door makes it simple to place my baby inside or let them crawl in and out.
- No-Fuss Assembly: Setting up the Pamo Babe Travel Crib is a breeze. Just pop out the legs, pull the armrests until they click, and it’s ready to go—no complicated assembly required.
#3 Pamo Babe Lightweight Travel Crib
- Travel-Friendly Design: This crib is spacious enough for babies from 0 to 3 years old and features a soft mattress that ensures a comfy sleeping space whether at home or away.
- Lightweight and Safe: Weighing just 12 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight yet sturdy, thanks to its robust frame, polyester fabric, and reinforced stitching. The evenly stressed corners prevent tilting, ensuring a safe play area for my baby.
- Convenient Side Zipper Door: The airy mesh fabric sides are breathable, allowing me to easily see my baby. The side zipper door makes it simple to nurse, cuddle, or play with my little one.
- Comfortable Sleep: The crib comes with a soft mattress, providing a cozy and supportive sleeping environment that protects my baby’s delicate lumbar vertebrae. The adjustable velcro and zipper make the fitted sheet easy to remove and clean.
- Portable and Foldable: Designed for travel, it’s compact and easy to pack, making it perfect for trips. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry along with other luggage.
A Travel Crib on Vacation
The safety and comfort of your baby while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. By investing in a good travel crib, you can create the ideal environment for your little one, no matter where you are.
I hope this helps you enjoy your vacations even more!